The $200,000 Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Saturday features a select group of five promising three-year-olds. Trainer Bob Baffert sends out two maiden winners to challenge Mike McCarthy's undefeated Bullard, who triumphed in the Bob Hope (G3). While the race does not offer Kentucky Derby qualifying points, it serves as an essential stepping stone for California's Derby hopefuls. Past winners have often gone on to make their mark in the Triple Crown trail, with Nyquist winning this race before clinching the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

Field Analysis and Prognosis

The San Vicente Stakes field comprises five runners, each bringing unique strengths and challenges. Barnes, purchased for $3.2 million, debuted with a narrow victory despite showing some greenness. Romanesque, another Baffert trainee, impressed with his debut win, displaying strong late pace. McKinzie Street, while experienced, has struggled recently and must improve significantly. Smooth Cruisein showed promise in his debut but faces a tougher test here. Bullard, the standout, remains unbeaten, having dominated the Bob Hope (G3) by 4¾ lengths.

Barnes, trained by Bob Baffert, showed flashes of brilliance in his debut but exhibited some inexperience. Despite drifting in the stretch, he managed to secure a narrow win. His workouts suggest improvement, and with a change in jockeys, he could be formidable. Romanesque, also from Baffert’s stable, won his maiden event in a duel with stablemate Rodriguez, showcasing impressive late speed. McKinzie Street, trained by Tim Yakteen, has placed in multiple graded stakes but needs to regain form after recent setbacks. Smooth Cruisein, trained by Karen Headley, emerged victorious in his debut despite a slow start, indicating potential. Bullard, trained by Mike McCarthy, has been exceptional, winning both starts convincingly, including the Bob Hope (G3).

Horse-by-Horse Breakdown

Each contender brings distinct qualities to the San Vicente Stakes. Barnes, despite his debut win, must prove he can handle increased competition. Romanesque, with his strong late pace, appears poised for another top performance. McKinzie Street, though experienced, needs to elevate his game. Smooth Cruisein, a long shot, has shown resilience. Bullard, the favorite, is the only graded stakes winner in the field, making him the one to beat.

Barnes, named after Baffert’s assistant Jimmy Barnes, debuted at Churchill Downs with a head win, despite some greenness. His workouts indicate he can improve, and a new jockey might provide the edge needed. Romanesque, a $435,000 yearling, debuted impressively, leading all the way and finishing strongly. His pedigree suggests he can handle longer distances. McKinzie Street, a multiple Grade 1-placed colt, has faced tough competition but needs to find his best form. Smooth Cruisein, despite a slow start, won his debut convincingly and has maintained steady workouts. Bullard, the most accomplished, has the highest speed figures and a dominant win in the Bob Hope (G3), positioning him as the clear favorite.