It's a thrilling day at Santa Anita Park this Saturday, April 7, 2024, promising an exciting series of races. Twelve races are lined up, ready to kick off at 12:00 PM PT, or for our East Coasters, that's 3:00 PM your time!

Your attention should be captivated by the showcase event of the day - the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. 

Eight 3-year olds will battle for dominance over a mile and an eighth distance. With 100 Kentucky Derby Points and a whopping $750,000 stake at play, the competition is bound to be fierce!

Take a close look at the contender lineup:

1-Curlin's Kaos - Curlin's Kaos, trained by Antonio Garcia, hasn't shown much promise in the run-up to this race. His fourth-place finish at the Sunland Park Derby doesn't inspire much confidence.

2-Tapato - John Sadler's Tapato is perceived as a threat, as Tapato's strong second-place finish in the El Camino Derby was still impressive. Any improvement with this horse could land him in the winner's circle. 

3-Stronghold - Stronghold is a top contender; despite his lack of Santa Anita experience, his class and overall grading are impressive. His victory at the Sunland Park Derby, a Grade 3 Stakes, is a testament to his potential.

4-Imagination - Super-trainer Bob Baffert presents two powerful contenders - Imagination and Wynstock. Imagination's track record is exceptional, and his victory in the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita has demonstrated his winning ability against stiff competition.

5-Wynstock - After a disappointing 11^th place in the Southwest Stakes, is hoping to bounce back and bring home another victory for Baffert.

6-Tessuto -  A local hero, has a strong connection with Santa Anita, having run all his races here. His recent break from MSW to a high-level stakes race will surely make him a horse to watch.

7-Mc Vay - Trainer John Shirreffs is leaving observers puzzled, as Mc Vay has not yet broken the maiden. His chances at the Santa Anita Derby seem slim.

8-E J Won The Cup - This horse boasts of good breeding, training, and jockey. This horse has shown the light-bulb effect here, winning his last two races at odds-on favorite.

Based on these observations, here are our handicapping plays. Throw $25 to WIN on 3-Stronghold, given his impressive recent form. We think he will end up taking this one.  We also recommend a $5 Exacta Box wager on 3-4-8 and add a $5 Triple 3-8/3-8/2-4-5 to increase your odds of a hefty payday if that 8 runs the race we expect!