What is the Robert B. Lewis Stakes?
The Robert B. Lewis Stakes is a Grade III horse race held annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. It is contested by 3-year-old thoroughbreds over a distance of 1 mile and serves as a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
Named after prominent racehorse owner Robert B. Lewis, the event often draws horses with strong Kentucky Derby aspirations.
When is the Robert B. Lewis Stakes in 2026?
The Robert B. Lewis Stakes will take place on January 31st. This race it an early contender in the Kentucky Derby prep season and a popular event for online horse betting enthusiasts.
Robert B. Lewis Stakes Winners
Over the years, several notable horses have triumphed in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes, particularly older winners who have made a mark in racing history. Among them, Ferdinand, who won in 1986 and later secured the Kentucky Derby title, stands out as a legendary figure.
Other notable winners include Pioneerof the Nile (2009), who would go on to sire the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and I'll Have Another, who captured the race in 2012 before winning the Derby. More recently, Medina Spirit, trained by Bob Baffert, won in 2021, though his legacy became complicated due to post-race controversies.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Citizen Bull | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine | 1:36.71 |
| 2024 | Nysos | Flavien Prat | Bob Baffert | Baoma Corp | 1:36.65 |
| 2023 | Newgate | Frankie Dettori | Bob Baffert | SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables, Schoenfarber, Jay A., Waves Edge Capital & Catherine Donovan | 1:43.11 |
| 2022 | Messier | John R. Velazquez | Bob Baffert | SF Racing, Starlight Racing, & Madaket Stables | 1:42.89 |
| 2021 | Medina Spirit | Abel Cedillo | Bob Baffert | Zedan Racing Stables | 1:46.26 |
| 2020 | Thousand Words | Flavien Prat | Bob Baffert | Albaugh Family Stables and Spendthrift Farm | 1:43.64 |
The Robert B. Lewis Stakes is part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, offering qualifying points to the top finishers. Horses that win or place in this race often move on to other key prep races, building momentum toward the Kentucky Derby.
