In a thrilling battle down the Del Mar homestretch, up-and-coming sophomore sprinter Raging Torrent got the better of California-bred sensation The Chosen Vron in the $251,500 Pat O’Brien (G2).

The Chosen Vron defied trouble to prevail in last year’s Bing Crosby (G1) at Del Mar, but in Saturday’s title defense, the California-bred win machine found clear sailing throughout.

Last seen finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the ultra-talented but lightly raced Arabian Knight returns to action in Saturday’s San Diego H. (G2) at Del Mar.

The runner-up as the 4.10-1 favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Epicenter will be an even shorter price in Saturday's Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico.

Who's in the main body of the 2022 Kentucky Derby field and who's on the bubble?

It was no surprise that trainer Tim Yakteen won Saturday’s $750,500 Santa Anita Derby (G1). Less expected was the fact that it was Taiba.

The Fountain of Youth (G2) is the likeliest of the quartet to have a major impact on the trail, while the utility of the San Felipe (G2) arguably depends on how the race plays out. The Gotham (G3) has a few smart types, but more of the one-turn variety.

Three-year-olds can progress rapidly at this time of winter, as Messier demonstrated with a victory in the Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) on Sunday at Santa Anita.