Tag: Robert B. Lewis Stakes

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 1 Recap

It’s time to try something new. But not too new.

Welcome to the Inaugural Paddy’s Picks Invitational, a handicapping competition intended to find the most talented guests on this oft-celebrated, participation-trophy-winning website. 13 competitors, split into experienced and casual divisions, will battle through the month of February for the ultimate prizes: a hand-drawn picture of a horse by me (Patrick Moquin), as well as a “crazy” horse-themed ballpoint pen. These prizes may seem quaint to some, but for some reason, my guests have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. read more

Road to the Derby: Robert B. Lewis Stakes Analysis

Who doesn’t love a small field at Santa Anita? Wait, no one? No one likes small fields at Santa Anita? I know one guy who appreciates them.

Last year’s running of the Robert B. Lewis Stakes was won by future Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit and trainer Bob Baffert. Though Baffert has now won the Robert B. Lewis in three straight years, the domination didn’t start in 2019, as he has also won it nine times since 1999.

But when Medina Spirit failed a drug test shortly after his Derby win, a revolution ignited in the racing world. Baffert was “canceled” by Twitter users and the liberal media after years of controversy, and he hasn’t laid a finger on a horse since. Meanwhile, California has quickly become a haven for drug-free racing and proper animal care. Politics and corruption became a thing of the past when the racing world took a big step forward. read more