Santa Anita Derby BRIS Speed Rating Report

A short but select field of six has been entered for $1 million Santa Anita Derby (G1). One of seven major preps for the May 4 Kentucky Derby, the Santa Anita Derby field appears stronger than most from a BRIS Speed rating perspective. Before we analyze the numbers for this year’s Santa Anita Derby field, let’s take review the past 10 winners. Here are the BRIS Speed ratings for Santa Anita winners entering the race:

Horse		BRIS Speed
Justify		104
		100
Gormley		91
		102
Exaggerator		101
		101
Dortmund		102
		101
California Chrome		102
		94
Goldencents		97
		93
I’ll Have Another		102
		58
Midnight Interlude		92
		93
Sidney’s Candy		93
		95
Pioneerof the Nile		92
		96

Analysis: The last five winners, and six of the last seven, had earned a triple-digit BRIS Speed rating. Three of last four registered century-topping BRIS Speed ratings in both starts. Five of the last seven brought increasing BRIS Speed ratings into the race Six of the last seven posted at least a 97 BRIS Speed rating in the last start. I’ll Have Another bled in the penultimate start and is only winner who failed to earn at least a 91 BRIS Speed rating. Here are the last two BRIS Speed ratings for this year’s field (listed in post order):

Horse		BRIS Speed
Roadster		96
		95
More Ice		88
		79
Nolo Contesto		93
		94
Synthesis		94
		96
Instagrand		100
		100
Game Winner		98
		103

Analysis: Instagrand fits the profile of recent winners with a pair of triple-digit BRIS Speed ratings. Game Winner is the only other runner with a triple-digit figure. More Ice (88-79) looks too slow to challenge. Nolo Contesto (93-94) also enters on the slow side compared to his main rivals. PHOTO: Game Winner winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill Downs on November 2, 2018 (c) Coady Photography/Churchill Downs