Potente Wins San Felipe Stakes, Emerging as Kentucky Derby Contender

ARCADIA, Calif. — Potente surged past 67-1 longshot Robusta in the final strides to win the $200,000 San Felipe Stakes by a head Saturday at Santa Anita Park, establishing himself as a promising Kentucky Derby candidate for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

A Thrilling Finish at Santa Anita

Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Potente completed the 1 1/16-mile race in 1:42.92, paying $18.20, $8.40, and $5 at 8-1 odds. Robusta returned $33.60 and $9, although So Happy paid $2.40 to show as the 2-1 second choice, ridden by 60-year-old Hall of Famer Mike Smith.

Baffert’s Derby Hopefuls

Potente’s victory marks his second win in as many career starts, following a sprint race win at Santa Anita last month. The colt was purchased for $2.4 million by owner Speedway Stable. Baffert also saw his heavily favored Brant finish fifth in the race.

“This horse has a lot of talent,” Hernandez said. “He’s big, he’s strong, and he showed up today.”

Looking Ahead to the Kentucky Derby

Potente earned 50 qualifying points toward the May 2 Kentucky Derby. Baffert indicated the colt will have one more start before the Derby. Robusta earned 25 points, and Brant received 15. Secured Freedom finished fourth, also earning Kentucky Derby qualifying points.

Trainer Doug O’Neill, a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, plans to point Robusta toward the Santa Anita Derby on April 4, with the Kentucky Derby as a long-term goal. Robusta is owned and bred by Calumet Farm, which has a record eight Kentucky Derby wins but none since 1991.

“He ran huge,” O’Neill said.

Baffert’s Assessment

Baffert acknowledged that Brant may have been a bit short on preparation for the San Felipe. “I knew the pace was going to be hot,” Baffert said. “I think Brant was a work away from this race. He got tired. Potente is bred to head that far. He was ready for that.”