The Robert B. Lewis Stakes Tipsheet

A fantastic field of eight 3-year-olds will run 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita in Saturday’s $100,000 Robert B. Lewis (G3). The much anticipated contest is part of the 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series, with points going to the top four finishers on a 10-4-2-1 basis.

Robert Lewis Picks

• #1 Medina Spirit
• #2 Rombauer
• #8 Spielberg
• #5 Roman Centurian

Robert Lewis Wagers

• $20 Win #1 Medina Spirit
• $10 Exacta Box 1-2
• 10-cent Superfecta 1,2,5,8 with 1,2,5,8 with 1,2,5,8 with all

Robert Lewis Contenders

#1 MEDINA SPIRIT ran huge when a closing second in the recent Sham (G3) and rates as the one to beat from the rail. Bargain $35,000 purchase has speed from the fence and shows a pair of solid morning drills in preparation for his second graded stakes attempt. Abel Cedillo will guide the Baffert-trained Florida-bred.

#2 ROMBAUER finished a close second in the American Pharoah (G1) two back, prior to a decent try from off the pace in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) for McCarthy. Twirling Candy homebred has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in each lifetime performance, and he will enjoy a ground-saving trip throughout beneath Mike Smith.

#3 PARNELLI has never missed the board from five lifetime tries for Shirreffs. Quality Road colt was a distant third in the Sham, but he has room for improvement on Saturday. Rispoli picks up the mount atop the capable colt.

#4 HOT ROD CHARLIE comes off of a valiant performance in the Juvenile when a close second at huge odds for O’Neill. Rapidly improving son of Oxbow has taken a big leap forward since adding blinkers two back, and he is another contender in a field full of them. Joel Rosario will be in the stirrups.

#5 ROMAN CENTURIAN was last seen drawing off late in a strong maiden tally on the course for Simon Callaghan. Well-bred son of Empire Maker will improve as the distances increase, and he has the look of a live exotics threat at a price from off the pace under Juan Hernandez.

#6 WASPIRANT is the second from the Shirreffs shedrow and has finished fourth in a pair of graded races in succession. Union Rags homebred will need a big move forward to threaten this cast inside the final furlong on Saturday, however.

#7 WIPE THE SLATE graduated in style with the addition of blinkers in his second career assignment and has the look of a fine prospect. O’Neill pupil has trained in sharp fashion in advance of this contest, and he figures to be forwardly placed throughout while making his route debut. Mario Gutierrez will be on board.

#8 SPIELBERG was game in taking the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) last time out, and he was flattered when the horse he defeated came back to win by double digits next time out. Baffert charge is battle-tested with four graded runs under his belt, and he will be tough with a repeat of his latest effort. Flavien Prat retains the ride atop the $1 million yearling purchase.