The Robert B. Lewis Stakes serves as a preparatory event for the Kentucky Derby in Southern California, named in honor of notable owner Bob Lewis, who, with his spouse Beverly, campaigned successful thoroughbreds like Serena’s Song, Charismatic, and Silver Charm, among others.
Over recent seasons, the Robert B. Lewis Stakes has been significantly influenced by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, a key figure for the Lewis family. He has secured the last seven consecutive runnings of the Lewis, contributing to his total of 13 career wins in this Santa Anita Park competition, with his most recent seven triumphs all achieved by short-priced favorites. For this year’s event, Baffert prepares three of the seven competing 3-year-olds; the race offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points for 2026, sponsored by Woodford Reserve, distributed to the top five finishers as 20-10-6-4-2.
1. Desert Gate (6-5 preliminary odds): This individual, a graded stakes victor as a two-year-old, last secured a runner-up position behind Intrepido in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes Presented by DK Horse in October 2025. Entrants conditioned by Bob Baffert, particularly those favored, have a strong record in this contest, and Desert Gate appears to be the primary contender.
RIDER: Juan Hernandez; CONDITIONER: Bob Baffert
2. Plutarch (4-1): Achieved a top-three placement in three separate stakes events during 2025, which included finishing third in the American Pharoah behind Intrepido and Desert Gate. He enters the Lewis following a commanding victory in a 1 1/8-mile turf contest and consistently delivers strong performances. This colt is a credible challenger.
RIDER: Florent Geroux; CONDITIONER: Bob Baffert
3. Cherokee Nation (5-1): Acquired for $1.15 million at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling auction, Cherokee Nation is set to make his fifth professional appearance in the Robert B. Lewis, aiming for his inaugural victory. He placed a distant fifth in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes during his only prior attempt at stakes competition. His two Baffert-trained counterparts with inner post positions are favored.
RIDER: Antonio Fresu; CONDITIONER: Bob Baffert
4. Intrepido (7-2): A sluggish beginning hindered his performance, resulting in a fifth-place finish in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Prior to that, Intrepido had secured consecutive wins, notably the American Pharoah Stakes on this same dirt course. He has engaged in consistent training since November 24th in preparation for his debut as a three-year-old, suggesting he should be prepared.
RIDER: Hector Berrios; CONDITIONER: Jeff Mullins
5. Briggs Armypower (30-1): Claimed victory in three out of four outings at Arapahoe Park, which included the Gold Rush Futurity, preceding his being pulled up in the Lost in the Fog Juvenile Stakes at Turf Paradise during his last race as a two-year-old. The caliber of rivals in this event is significantly higher, and his speed ratings suggest a formidable challenge for Briggs Armypower.
RIDER: Tyler Baze; CONDITIONER: Daniel Jensen
6. Robusta (15-1): During his initial career sprint on November 22, he finished off the board, trailing the eventual San Vicente Stakes victor So Happy, but he recovered impressively with a gate-to-wire triumph on January 9 at the same course and one-mile trip. Robusta may be underestimated due to the strong contingent from Baffert and the Grade 1 winner Intrepido. This could prove to be an error.
RIDER: Emisael Jaramillo; CONDITIONER: Doug O’Neill
7. Secured Freedom (6-1): His two appearances thus far have been in 6 ½ furlong sprints, with his latest being a commanding 4 ½ length victory on December 28 on this same dirt surface. The pace ratings from that win suggest he possesses the capability to contend with this field, provided he manages the longer journey. He is an interesting prospect.
RIDER: Kazushi Kimura; CONDITIONER: Tim Yakteen
SELECTION: Intrepido
PROMISING OUTSIDER: Robusta
PREDICTED TOP FOUR ORDER: 4-7-2-6
