ESPN Horse Racing

ARCADIA, Calif. -- Brother Derek, the nation's leading prospect for the Kentucky Derby, already has had his final prep for next month's Santa Anita Derby. His list of challengers should become more defined after this Saturday, when a field headed by Sham Stakes winner Bob and John competes in the Grade 2, $250,000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita.

Bob and John is one of four colts whom trainer Bob Baffert is considering running in the San Felipe. Point Determined, a recent allowance winner at Golden Gate Fields, also is definite. Point of Impact is probable, and Sky Diving is possible.

Baffert said he was reluctant to ship his 3-year-olds in March for stakes races.

"I want to wait one more race, then ship," he said.

That, combined with the difficulty in getting allowance races to go locally, has resulted in Baffert having so many candidates for the San Felipe.

Bob and John has won two straight races, including the Sham, since finishing third behind Brother Derek in the Hollywood Futurity. He will be ridden by Victor Espinoza.

Point Determined has won twice in four starts. The San Felipe will be his stakes debut. David Flores has the mount.

Both Point of Impact and Sky Diving only have maiden wins to their credit, so they are eligible for a first-level allowance condition. Garrett Gomez is scheduled to ride Point of Impact. Baffert said he had yet to decide on a rider for Sky Diving.

Others pointing for the 1 1/16-mile San Felipe are A.P. Warrior (Corey Nakatani the rider), New Joysey Jeff (Alex Solis), Racketeer (Patrick Valenzuela), Refinery (Tyler Baze), and Simon Pure (Jon Court).

Desormeaux will be at Aqueduct on Saturday to ride Sweetnorthernsaint in the Grade 3, $200,000 Gotham Stakes.

Pegram said Desormeaux's wife, Sonia, and their two sons will come to New York when the current school year ends.

O'Neill said he and his brother Dennis were attracted to Sam's Ace as a prospective purchase because "we loved that he was a Cal-bred, he's a tall, good-looking horse, and we love In Excess."

"All his races were impressive," O'Neill said. "Even when he got in trouble, he ran well despite not having a clean trip."

Guidry, 46, has won more than 4,700 races. He won last year's Santa Anita Derby with Buzzards Bay.