Inaugurated in 1935 shortly after the California track opened, since then the race has operated as the premier preparation race on the West Coast on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

It was another of the prep races won by California Chrome (en route to Kentucky Derby and Preakness victories in 2014), and by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. The 2021 edition was won by 1/ST's then-ambassador, Umberto Rispoli, while 2022 victor Taiba last month enjoyed a mid-table finish in the world's richest horserace, the Saudi Cup.

This year there's an interestingly global aspect to the Derby field - Japanese champion Mandarin Hero has been shipped over for the race with a view to a Triple Crown entry.

Santa Anita Derby race day not only sees the Grade 1 1/18m Derby, but also the G2 Santa Anita Oaks, the G2 Monrovia Stakes and G2 Charles Whittingham Stakes.

Racing continues Thursday-Sunday each week at Santa Anita Park until June.