In 2007 the Santa Anita Derby (G1)/Kentucky Derby (G1) prep once known as the Santa Catalina Stakes was renamed the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) to honor one of the most beloved owners in the game of Thoroughbred racing who passed away the year before. The familiar green and yellow silks representing Lewis and his beloved wife Beverly, and created in homage to the pair’s alma mater, the University of Oregon, were carried by some of the most accomplished runners in recent horse racing history, including dual classic winners Silver Charm and Charismatic (also the 1999 Horse of the Year), champions Serena’s Song, Orientate and Folklore, just to name a few.
Champion Moments: The Lewis Stakes’ Illustrious History and Winners
The Lewis remains one of the few stakes still offered at The Great Race Place since the track opened in 1935, though not continuously due to a three-year absence during World War II, and since then some pretty familiar names have had their photo taken after reaching the wire in front, including Sham and Ferdinand, classic-placed Pioneerof the Nile, dual classic winner I’ll Have Another and the late 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. Some other notable winners include champions Declan’s Moon and Artax, Dortmund and Mucho Gusto.
Racing Royalty: Bob Baffert’s Dominance and Jockey Milestones in Historical Horse Racing
Hall of Famer Bob Baffert has saddled a record 11 winners, including the last five in a row (1999, 2003, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019-2023) and long-retired jockeys Bill Shoemaker and Laffit Pincay Jr. rode a record seven winners each. The race has been contested at various distances from seven to nine furlongs and once at three furlongs in 1940, when it was offered for 2-year-olds.
A Look Ahead: Bob Lewis Stakes, Derby Points, and Baffert’s Omission
This year, once again, the Bob Lewis offers valuable Road to the Derby points to make the starting gate on the first Saturday in May on a 20-10-6-4-2 schedule to the top finishers. Unless, of course, any of the top finishers are trained by Baffert, who remains banned from entering any horses at Churchill Downs. His owners this year have decided to stick with their trainer and forego a trip to the Kentucky Derby.
Saturday’s weather in Arcadia will be cool but the rain from the previous days will be over and the high is expected to only reach the low 60s under mostly sunny skies.
The Robert B. Lewis field, which is the afternoon’s 5th race and will break from the gate at 2:15 p.m. PT.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
