Expert prediction
San Felipe Stakes Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 7)
Action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby continues to heat up throughout March, beginning this weekend with a key prep before the G1 Santa Anita Derby in the form of the G2 San Felipe Stakes. Find the odds and our picks for the race here.
San Felipe Stakes: How to Watch
- When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 @ 6:00 PM ET
- Where: Santa Anita, California
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
San Felipe Stakes Odds
| Horse | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| Brant | -125 |
| So Happy | +350 |
| Potente | +500 |
| Secured Freedom | +550 |
| Start The Ride | +2000 |
| Robusta | +5000 |
| Flashy Fritz | +10000 |
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/16 Miles |
| Purse | $400,000 |
| Most Successful Trainer | Bob Baffert (9) |
| Most Successful Jockey | Chris McCarron (7) |
| Kentucky Derby Qualifying Points | 50-25-15-10-5 |
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San Felipe Stakes: Recent Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | Michael McCarthy |
| 2024 | Imagination | Frankie Dettori | Bob Baffert |
| 2023 | Practical Move | Ramos Vazquez | Tim Yakteen |
| 2022 | Forbidden Kingdom | Juan Hernandez | Richard Mandella |
Race Preview
The G2 San Felipe Stakes has been a crucial stopping point for a number of previous winners of the Kentucky Derby, including icons such as Sunday Silence, California Chrome, and Affirmed.
Bob Baffert’s excellent record in the race will ensure that the Hall of Famer stands an excellent chance. Brant was a classy juvenile last year, winning the G1 Del Mar Futurity before being beaten by just under two lengths by the hugely talented Ted Noffey in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Should be set to fire after a break.
Baffert is double handed in the race this weekend, with the expensive Potente expected to feature. The colt cost $2.4 million as a yearling, and is dropped into graded company on his second start after winning cosily over six furlongs at the end of January. The distance should suit based on pedigree.
So Happy will be hoping to gate crash the Baffert party this weekend. The Mark Glatt runner has a perfect record under rules, winning on back-to-back starts, and he made a striking impression when landing the San Vicente Stakes over seven furlongs. Unlike Potente, stamina isn’t assured based on his pedigree.
An interesting exotic angle could be Start The Ride, for trainer Dan Blacker. Stamina is assured after winning over course and distance to land the California Chrome Cup Derby, and there is the prospect of the front-runner being given an easy lead after being drawn in two.
San Felipe Stakes Picks
This could be a very informative race. However, the excitement surrounding Potente’s maiden win could continue with a striking step up in grade this weekend. Has race fitness on his side against his stablemate and there is likely to be too big of a price discrepancy.
Free Pick:
Horse Racing
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