1/15 (GG): California Derby

[Pedigree Ann]

Once upon a time, this was a G2 race, run at 9f in the month before the Kentucky Derby. Winners like George Lewis, Unconscious, Quack, Linda's Chief, Agitate, Diabolo, Beau's Eagle..., Sad to see it fallen to such a irrelevant status.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Once upon a time, this was a G2 race, run at 9f in the month before the Kentucky Derby. Winners like George Lewis, Unconscious, Quack, Linda's Chief, Agitate, Diabolo, Beau's Eagle..., Sad to see it fallen to such a irrelevant status.

Well, this race is actually a renamed Golden Gate Derby, which replaced the influential El Camino Real Derby (now run in March) several years ago.

The original California Derby never produced a Derby winner, though Kentucky Oaks winner Pike Place Dancer won it over males when it was a grass race.

All that aside, I wouldn't exactly call this race irrelevant. In the last 5 years its produced Chocolate Candy, Cause To Believe, Sinister Minister, Bwana Bull, and Buzzard's Bay, all of whom at least started in the Kentucky Derby.

Add in 2008 winner Yankee Bravo, who later started in the Preakness.