Takeaways from 2023 Santa Anita Derby

Apr 11, 2023 James Scully/TwinSpires.com

A rousing stretch battle provided a memorable outcome to the Santa Anita Derby (G1), a major qualifier in the Road
to the Kentucky Derby series. The 1 1/8-mile race has produced four of the
last 11 Kentucky
Derby winners.

1. Practical
Move digs deep to repel challengers

Following convincing wins in
the San Felipe (G2) and Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), Practical Move momentarily appeared to put rivals away when surging
clear in upper stretch, but his fortitude wound up being tested in the final
sixteenth of a mile as Mandarin Hero
and Skinner came with bids.

With rider Ramon Vazquez, the stalker broke a step slowly
but quickly recovered to establish his customary position within a couple of lengths
of the pace, and Practical Move launched an early move entering the far turn to
take a short lead by the top of the stretch. The Tim Yakteen-trained colt
extended his advantage to about a length, but Mandarin Hero and Skinner were
entering the frame behind him.

Mandarin Hero, a four-time winner on a lesser circuit in
Japan, rallied up the inside from midpack, while Skinner took the overland
route, and the pair bumped after straightening for home as Mandarin Hero angled
off the rail to go after Practical Move.

His lead disappeared as it got extremely close late in the
final 20 yards between the top two, and Skinner had every chance on the far
outside before coming up a half-length short, and Practical Move kept finding
more to prevail.

The hard-fought victory may prove beneficial for Practical
Move, who confirmed himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender, and his
tactical ability appears to be an advantage given the lack of speed lining up
for the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Practical Move registered a 100 Brisnet Speed rating, his third
consecutive triple-digit number, and the lanky son of Practical Joke appears
well-built for the 1 1/4-mile distance. We’ll find out if he’s good enough at
Churchill Downs.

2. Japanese
invader follows smart path, must wait to get in

Japanese horses are making a serious impact internationally,
and Mandarin Hero merits serious respect after a top-class showing in his U.S.
debut. From six starts, the Terunobu Fujita-trained colt has recorded four wins
and two seconds. Santa Anita-based Kazushi Kimura picked up the mount on the
Japanese-bred son of Shanghai Bobby.

Points are presently an issue for Mandarin Hero, who ranks 24th
on the Kentucky Derby
leaderboard with 40 points. Attrition is always part of the build-up to the
first Saturday in May, Rich Strike ranked 27th at this same point last year,
and Mandarin Hero may be able to get four defections.

Internationally-based runners in the Kentucky Derby this century
have eschewed a U.S. prep race at age three, shipping straight to Churchill to
finish up the track. They don’t show up with their best, and the culture change
will be an issue for Derma Sotogake and Continuar, Japanese horses making their
U.S. debut in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

If Mandarin Hero makes the field, he will be better-suited
to handle the environment. Prepping in the Santa Anita Derby provides an edge,
and Mandarin Hero will look to offer a road map for overseas hopefuls.

3. Skinner well-positioned

Winless from three starts last year, Skinner has progressed
nicely since opening his sophomore season with a maiden victory in mid-February,
finishing third in the San Felipe and Santa Anita Derby. The bay colt wasn’t
much a factor after a bad break in the San Felipe, getting involved late to
finish nearly four lengths back of Practical Move, but Skinner looked more
serious in the Santa Anita Derby.

He rallied boldly while wide on the far turn to reach a
threatening position by upper stretch, and Skinner kept grinding all the way to
miss narrowly, netting a career-best 99 Brisnet Speed rating. The son of Curlin
is trained by Kentucky Derby winner John Shirreffs, and three-time Kentucky Derby
winner Victor Espinoza rides, and Skinner would bring an improving late kick to
the Derby field.

Skinner still needs help, ranking 21st on the Kentucky Derby
list with 45 points, but there’s always at least one defection in the weeks
leading up to the first Saturday in May.