Colonel John, El Gato Malo renew rivalry in Santa Anita Derby

COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow) and EL GATO MALO (El Corredor), the top two finishers in the Sham S. (G3) on March 1, will renew their rivalry in Saturday's $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1). A field of 11 sophomores will square off in the 71st running of the prestigious event, and four of the last 11 Kentucky Derby (G1) winners have competed in the 1 1/8-mile prep race. The Santa Anita Derby will be held over a synthetic track for the first time this year.

Colonel John captured his stakes debut last fall, winning the Real Quiet S. by three lengths, and concluded his juvenile campaign with a fast-finishing second in the CashCall Futurity (G1). The Eoin Harty trainee returned to the races this season with a hard-fought, half-length score in the 1 1/8-mile Sham, withstanding the late run of El Gato Malo in determined fashion. Colonel John will be reunited with jockey Corey Nakatani, who missed the Sham due to a broken collarbone.

El Gato Malo opened his racing career with three smashing victories, breaking his maiden by 5 1/2 lengths at Hollywood Park before shipping to Golden Gate Fields to win the Gold Rush S. by 4 1/4 lengths. He made his graded bow in the January 12 San Rafael S. (G3) and blew past his opposition into the stretch, widening his advantage to 6 1/4 lengths at the wire. The late-running gelding suffered his first setback in the Sham, but he gave a valiant effort in defeat. Trainer Craig Dollase will give a leg up to regular rider David Flores on Saturday.

YANKEE BRAVO (Yankee Gentleman) merits respect. After winning his first two starts on turf, the Paddy Gallagher runner remained unbeaten with an impressive one-length score in the California Derby over the Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields. The dark bay colt switched to the dirt for the Louisiana Derby (G2) last time out and offered a commendable rally for third, 3 1/2 lengths back of Pyro (Pulpit).

Other contenders include POLONIUS (Broken Vow), who will make his first start on Cushion Track after winning the grassy Pasadena S. by four lengths; Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) runner-up COAST GUARD (Stormy Atlantic), who will attempt to rebound from an unplaced effort in the El Camino Real Derby (G3); the speedy, multiple stakes-winning BOB BLACK JACK (Stormy Jack), third in the San Felipe S. (G2) most recently; and ON THE VIRG (Pulpit), who will make his stakes debut following a pair of maiden special weight and allowance/optional claiming victories at Santa Anita.

Yankee Bravo will lead the post parade under jockey Alex Solis. Next comes SIGNATURE MOVE (Vindication), Michael Baze; Coast Guard, Joseph Talamo; Bob Black Jack, Richard Migliore; Colonel John; On the Virg, Tyler Baze; SHORE DO (Include), Chantal Sutherland; El Gato Malo; Polonius, Victor Espinoza; MEETINGWITHDESTINY (Belong to Me), Joel Rosario; and ROSSO CORSA (Ferrari [Ger]), Alonso Quinonez.

All runners will carry 122 pounds.