Honor A.P. Wins Santa Anita Derby

Horse racing continues on the comeback trail following the Covid-19 shutdown. Racing returned to Santa Anita in Arcadia, California in mid May (without spectators present) and on June 6th, the $400,000 Santa Anita Derby ran with a field of seven horses. Besides cash, the top four finishers earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby, which has been moved to September 5th due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Honor A.P., ridden by jockey Mike Smith, won the race by 2 3/4 lengths over heavily favored (1-2) Authentic. Three months ago, Authentic beat Honor A.P. in the San Felipe Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths. Authentic has three firsts and a second in four career races, while Honor A.P. has a pair of firsts and a pair of seconds in four races. Honor A.P. moved into second place in the Kentucky Derby qualifying points race with 120 points, two points behind Tiz the Law. Authentic is fourth with 100 points, four points behind #3 Wells Bayou.