Forbidden Kingdom Posts Final Breeze Before SA Derby

Probable Runhappy Santa Anita Derby (G1) favorite Forbidden Kingdom  had his final important breeze April 1 for the West Coast's major steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), going seven furlongs in 1:26.60 at Santa Anita Park.

"He went very well," said trainer Richard Mandella, who could give the son of American Pharoah   a three-furlong blowout in advance of the race.

"We'll see about that," said the Hall of Fame trainer, who is seeking his first Santa Anita Derby victory and would be in pursuit of his first win in the Run for the Roses with what would be his seventh starter. Mandella was forced to scratch morning-line favorite Omaha Beach   two days before the 2019 Kentucky Derby when that trainee developed a cough relating to an entrapped epiglottis.

Forbidden Kingdom's forte is speed. The chestnut colt, owned by MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm, has been in front at some point in all five of his races, leading throughout in the last two, the San Vicente Stakes (G2) at seven furlongs Jan. 29 at Santa Anita Park and the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at 1 1/16 miles March 5, also at Santa Anita.

The $750,000 Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles offers the winner 100 qualifying points to the Kentucky Derby, 40 to the runner-up, 20 to the third-place finisher, and 10 to the fourth.

Forbidden Kingdom is currently tied for sixth on the Derby leaderboard with 50 points.