Nikki'sgoldensteed looms large in El Camino

Turf Paradise Derby winner NIKKI'SGOLDENSTEED (Formal Gold) and Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) runner-up COAST GUARD (Stormy Atlantic) will vie in Saturday's $150,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Bay Meadows. Ten sophomores were entered in the 1 1/16-mile event, which will be the only graded prep race for the Kentucky Derby (G1) on a dirt surface in California this year.

After breaking his maiden impressively in front-running fashion at Santa Anita, Nikki'sgoldensteed stalked the early pace before exploding to a 5 3/4-length victory on a fast dirt track in the Turf Paradise Derby. The Bob Hess Jr.-trained colt has worked three times since then and is well drawn on the rail for a ground-saving trip around the first turn. Jon Court retains the mount.

Coast Guard was scratched out of Saturday's Sham S. (G3) due to a "ankle issue" and will be a major player if he runs in the El Camino Real Derby. The David Hofmans pupil challenged for the lead on the outside turning for home, then gamely held on for runner-up honors to Crown of Thorns (Repent) in the 1 1/16-mile Lewis. Aaron Gryder will replace Rafael Bejarano aboard Coast Guard.

Other contenders include BEHINDATTHEBAR (Forest Wildcat), an impressive last-out maiden winner for conditioner Todd Pletcher; Stinson Beach S. runner-up PLEASURE GROUNDS (Doneraile Court), a two-turn winner over the Bay Meadows main track last out; and the undefeated BAMAHA BREEZE (Lord Carson).

The field for the El Camino Real Derby, in post position order, with riders, consists of Nikki'sgoldensteed; GENERAL DAN (Capsized), Kyle Kaenel; AUTISM AWARENESS (Tannersmyman), Luis Contreras; Bamaha Breeze, Luis Martinez; TRES BORRACHOS (Ecton Park), Martin Garcia; Pleasure Grounds, Chad Schvaneveldt; Behindatthebar, Michael Baze; Coast Guard; DREAMED DAY (Silver Deputy), Frank Alvarado; and MASTER DANIEL (Broken Vow), Russell Baze.

Nikki'sgoldensteed will carry top weight of 117 pounds, the rest 115.