Meet the Contenders: 2026 Robert B. Lewis Stakes
Intrepido wins the American Pharoah at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
February 4th, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Desert Gate outclassed them in the Best Pal (G3) at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#1 Desert Gate ****
Pro: Has speed and ran second in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and American Pharoah (G1).
Con: Might be better racing around one turn rather than two.
Plutarch in the post parade at Del Mar prior to his Aug. 2025 debut (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#2 Plutarch ***
Pro: Versatile colt finished only a nose behind Desert Gate when third in the American Pharoah.
Con: His stretch-running style could be compromised by a modest pace.
TwinSpires
#3 Cherokee Nation *****
Pro: Blazed his final quarter-mile in :23.69 to finish second in a recent one-mile maiden special weight.
Con: He’s 0-for-4 and finished fifth in his lone start against stakes competition.
Intrepido wins the American Pharoah at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#4 Intrepido *****
Pro: Charged late to beat Desert Gate and Plutarch in the American Pharoah.
Con: Hasn’t raced since finishing a distant fifth in the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
TwinSpires
#5 Briggs Armypower *
Pro: Has won three of his five starts against easier competition, including the Gold Rush Futurity.
Con: His Brisnet Speed ratings look light against the Robert B. Lewis field.
Robusta wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#6 Robusta **
Pro: Led all the way to beat Cherokee Nation by half a length in a one-mile maiden special weight.
Con: Set a slow pace in his maiden win and may face a more challenging setup in the Lewis.
Secured Freedom broke his maiden on opening day at Santa Anita (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
#7 Secured Freedom ***
Pro: Launched a big finish to win a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight by 4 1/2 lengths.
Con: Benefited from a hot pace in his maiden win and is unproven around two turns.
Racing Roundtable - ep. 121 | Holy Bull & Forward Gal@AshleyAnd502, @James_Scully111, and @NTamm1215 are back for Episode 121 of the TwinSpires Racing Roundtable, breaking down an important Saturday on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. https://t.co/1iE0574If4
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) February 3, 2026
