May 4th, 2024 — We’re In The Kentucky Derby!

Apr 6, 2024 — Stronghold, a neck winner of the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 6 earned 100 points toward qualifying for the 2024 Kentucky Derby with that win and currently sits in fourth place on the latest Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, thus guaranteeing him a spot in the starting gate.

Phil D’Amato is a California-based trainer best known for his knack with turf runners such as Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Obviously and Grade 1 winners like Bowies Hero, Midnight Storm, Gold Phoenix, Going Global, Count Again, and Hunt. Stronghold would be his first starter in the Kentucky Derby.

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Apr 8, 2024 — Unbeaten in two starts in the West in 2024, Stronghold, the winner of Saturday’s Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, will be rated as a longshot when he starts in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4.

That’s cool with trainer Phil D’Amato, “I don’t mind going in under the radar,” D’Amato said. “I have faith in my horse. I’ll focus on him.”

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Apr 8, 2024 — The field for the Kentucky Derby firmed up Saturday on the last day of major prep races and, despite some doubts, California will have a horse in the race.

Stronghold needed at least a third-place finish to get in the first leg of the Triple Crown but did even better with a stirring stretch drive that propelled the 3-year-old colt to a win by a neck in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby. The win was worth 100 qualifying points.

It will be the first trip to the Kentucky Derby for both trainer Phil D’Amato and jockey Antonio Fresu.

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