Meet the Contenders: 2026 Santa Anita Derby
Intrepido wins the American Pharoah at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
April 1st, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita on April 4. 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.
Cherokee Nation wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#1 Cherokee Nation ****
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pro: Light bulb went on when earning big fig for 10-length maiden win.
Con: Was overmatched in two prior Derby prep attempts.
Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#2 Potente ****
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pro: Made swift advancement from sprint maiden win to San Felipe (G2) success.
Con: San Felipe field wasn’t overly deep; regression is possible.
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Potente, The Puma gain momentum. 🌹 @j_keelerman @kentuckyderbyhttps://t.co/mPpJrK7Hfb
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) March 11, 2026
Vitruvian Man wins at Keeneland. (Photo by Coady Media)
#3 Vitruvian Man *
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Pro: Best form has been in his two previous starts on dirt.
Con: Unraced since December and faced softer in Kentucky.
Robusta wins at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#4 Robusta ***
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Pro: Photo finish loss in San Felipe was highly unexpected; improving.
Con: Supporters are likely to accept the lowest price on him to date.
So Happy wins the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#5 So Happy ****
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Pro: San Vicente (G2) winner pressed a fast pace in San Felipe before yielding.
Con: Might be more effective around one turn.
Start the Ride wins the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
#6 Start the Ride *
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Pro: Stakes winner over this track, albeit versus California-breds.
Con: Made no impact in San Felipe despite brisk pace; likely not good enough.
#7 Intrepido *****
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Pro: G1 winner at two and comeback in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) was solid.
Con: Has not been as active of late as most of the field.
