NEWS
Division leader Brother Derek to face five rivals in Santa Anita Derby
Posted: Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Cecil Peacock's Brother Derek, current leader of the three-year-old division, will face five rivals on Saturday in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park.
The bay Benchmark colt, listed as the 3-to-5 morning-line favorite, enters the race off three consecutive graded stakes victories. Brother Derek closed out his two-year-old campaign with a win in the Hollywood Futurity (G1) at Hollywood Park. He started this season with wins at Santa Anita in the one-mile San Rafael (G2) and 1 1/16-mile Santa Catalina (G2) Stakes.
The defection of Fast Parade left Brother Derek as the likely speed in the Santa Anita Derby when he starts from post position two for his first attempt at 1 1/8 miles.
"Going a mile and an eighth, I have tactical speed," said Dan Hendricks, who trains Brother Derek. "With a short field, it shouldn't be a problem, nor should the weather. There's only a 20% chance of rain, so we should be fine."
Brother Derek's most serious challenge could come from the top two finishers in San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita on March 18 — A. P. Warrior and Point Determined.
Stan Fulton's A. P. Warrior regained his status as a legitimate Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with the San Felipe win after opening the year with a disappointing fourth-place finish in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields.
"He's improving," trainer John Shirreffs said about the A.P. Indy colt. "He has a lot of pedigree and talent and he loves going long. I think his potential is unlimited."
Point Determined, owned by the estate of the late Bob Lewis, finished a half-length behind A. P. Warrior in the San Felipe in his first attempt in stakes company. The bay Point Given colt needs additional graded stakes earnings to assure a spot in the Kentucky Derby should his connections decide to go.
"Brother Derek is the best horse I've seen this year," said Bob Baffert, who trains Point Determined. "If we run one-two-three it will be a telltale sign that we belong in the Kentucky Derby. If A. P. Warrior keeps improving, maybe he's the horse to beat. There's a lot of quality in the field."
The field, in post-position order, with (sire), jockey, and trainer:
1. A. P. Warrior (A.P. Indy), Corey Nakatani, 122, John Shirreffs;
2. Brother Derek (Benchmark), Alex Solis, 122, Dan Hendricks;
3. Wildfang (Broken Vow), Omar Berrio, 122, John Meairs;
4. Indy Wildcat (A.P. Indy), Tyler Baze, 122, Paula Capestro;
5. Sacred Light (Holy Bull), Aaron Gryder, 122, David Hofmans; and
6. Point Determined (Point Given), Rafael Bejarano, 122, Bob Baffert.
