#2 Potente
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Juan Hernandez
Last Race: Santa Anita Stakes (G1) – 2nd
Running Style: Presser
Potente is a lightly raced colt who showed high promise early in his career, winning the G2 San Felipe Stakes and establishing himself as a serious Derby prospect. Most recently, he finished second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) after attempting to wire the field, setting a moderate to fast pace before being overtaken late by So Happy.
He naturally settles into a pressing or forward position, using his tactical speed to control or influence race dynamics. In the Santa Anita Derby, he showed grit carrying his speed deep into the stretch, but the added distance and pressure exposed some limitations late. With only a few starts under his belt, he’s still developing and gaining valuable experience against top competition.
His early speed and positioning remain major strengths, though he may need either a more favorable pace setup or continued progression to handle deeper fields at the Kentucky Derby distance. With Bob Baffert training and Juan Hernandez aboard, Potente still profiles as a dangerous colt if he takes another step forward.
Why He’s Ranked #2
• G2 San Felipe Stakes winner
• Runner-up in Santa Anita Derby (G1) after setting the pace
• Tactical speed allows him to control race shape
• Still improving with limited experience
Pedigree Analysis:
Sire: Into Mischief
Dam: Sweet Sting
Grandsire: Harlan's Holiday
Granddam: Leslie's Lady
Other notable ancestors: Awesome Again, Perfect Sting, Deputy Minister, Red Ransom
Potente’s pedigree blends elite tactical speed from Into Mischief with stamina influences on the dam side, giving him a versatile foundation. While his bloodlines support early speed and class, there’s enough depth to suggest he can stretch out — though his Santa Anita Derby effort indicates his ceiling at longer distances may depend on pace and development.
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