Imagination loom large in 87th running of Santa Anita Derby
At 0h02, on April 5, 2024 • By Santa Anita
Graded stakes winner Imagination is set to clash Stronghold for the first time Saturday in a field of eight entered for Saturday’s 87th running of the GI, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Imagination exits a win in the GII San Felipe going 1 1/16 miles on March 3 at Santa Anita. The victory upped his record to 2-3-0 in five starts with $256,800 in earnings for owners SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, et al.
By Into Mischief, Imagination was purchased for $1.05 million at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale. He broke his maiden in his third start when going a mile on Jan. 1 at Santa Anita. Prior scoring in the San Felipe, Imagination finished second by neck to well-regarded stablemate Maymun in a first-level allowance at a mile on Feb. 11 at Santa Anita.
International star jockey Frankie Dettori, who rode Imagination for the first time in the San Felipe win, again has the call on Saturday.
