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.