First run in 1935, the $1 million Santa Anita Derby (G1) is run each April at Santa Anita Park and is considered one of the major prep races for the Run for the Roses.

Run at 1 1/8 miles, the traditional dirt race was contested over the synthetic surface Cushion Track in 2008, switched to the synthetic Pro Ride racing surface for 2009 and 2010, and back to dirt for the 2011 running.

When making your Santa Anita Derby picks, there are several key preps for the race, namely the Sham Stakes (G3) in January, the Robert B. Lewis (G2) and the San Vicente (G2) in February, and the San Felipe (G2) in March.

In recent years the race has been dominated by Bob Baffert, who has won the race six times since 1996, and Jeff Mullins, who won the race an unprecedented three times in a row from 2003 to 2005.

Retired hall of fame rider Gary Stevens leads all jockeys with nine wins in the race.

Last year’s winner was Midnight Interlude, who came into the race with just a maiden win, pulling off the upset and returning $29.80 for a $2 wager.

Midnight Interlude was not as lucky on the first Saturday of May, checking in a disappointing 16^th, and then was 13^th in the Preakness Stakes (G1).

The 2010 winner was Sidney’s Candy, who also failed to fire in the Kentucky Derby (G1), checking in 17^th.  The favorite in the race was Lookin At Lucky, who checked in sixth after a troubled trip.

Lookin At Lucky prepped in the Santa Anita Derby as well, finishing third for trainer Bob Baffert.

The last Kentucky Derby winner to use the Santa Anita Derby as a springboard was Giacomo, who won the Run for the Roses in 2005, returning $102.60 in one of the biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history.

Recent Santa Anita Derby Winners: