Event: California Chrome Cal Cup Derby Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California Date: January 18, 2025 Distance: One and One-Sixteenth Miles (Dirt) Purse: $175,000 Eligibility: Golden State Series Eligible California Bred or California-Sired Three-Year-Olds Weight: 124 lbs (allowances for non-winners)

Horse, Trainer, and Breeder Details
P# | PP | Horse | Age | S | Jockey | Wgt | Trainer | M/L | Owner | Breeder | Pedigree (Sire – Dam, by Dam Sire) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Shea Brennan (CA) | 3 | C | Antonio Fresu | 124 | Phil D’Amato | 5/2 | Nick Alexander | Nick Alexander | Tough Sunday – Carrie Rose, by Old Topper |
2 | 2 | I’m a Bad Boy (CA) | 3 | G | Ricardo Gonzalez | 124 | Luis Mendez | 7/2 | CTR Stables LLC | Terry C. Lovingier | Stay Thirsty – Donita’s Ruler, by Roman Ruler |
3 | 3 | Style Cat (CA) | 3 | G | Juan J. Hernandez | 124 | Peter Miller | 5/1 | J. Kirk & Judy Robison | J. Kirk Robison & Judy Robison | Curlin to Mischief – Kittens Trip, by Kitten’s Joy |
4 | 4 | Accidental Genius (CA) | 3 | G | Mario Gutierrez | 124 | Edward R. Freeman | 20/1 | Reddam Racing | Reddam Racing, LLC | I’ll Have Another – Radish, by Square Eddie |
5 | 5 | Whiskyginandbrandy (CA) | 3 | C | Tiago Josue Pereira | 124 | Steve R. Knapp | 12/1 | Chacon, Flores, Lovingier | Terry C. Lovingier | Stay Thirsty – Appealing Susan, by Successful Appeal |
6 | 6 | R Heisman (KY) | 3 | G | Flavien Prat | 124 | Peter Miller | 3/1 | Gary Barber | Highclere Inc. | Far From Over – Parisienne (BRZ), by First American |
7 | 7 | Drop Um (CA) | 3 | C | Mike E. Smith | 124 | Felix Rondan | 6/1 | Gray Farms Inc. | Dr. & Mrs. William T. Gray | Far From Over – Behavioral, by Include |
8 | 8 | Got’m Cot’m (CA) | 3 | C | Kyle Frey | 124 | Val Brinkerhoff | 10/1 | Cami Cottam | Richard Barton Enterprises | Bolt d’Oro – Annabird, by Flower Alley |
Race Analysis
This year’s California Chrome Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita Park features an exciting mix of promising three-year-olds from California. Here’s a detailed look at some key contenders:
- Shea Brennan (5/2), trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Antonio Fresu, enters as the morning line favorite. This colt has shown strong performances, including a close finish in last month’s King Glorious Stakes.
- I’m a Bad Boy (7/2), under the guidance of Luis Mendez and ridden by Ricardo Gonzalez, is a top contender. This gelding narrowly missed victory against Shea Brennan in their previous encounter, making this race a highly anticipated rematch.
- R Heisman (3/1), another promising entrant trained by Peter Miller and ridden by Flavien Prat, has demonstrated potential with consistent performances. Although this gelding is Kentucky-bred, his credentials make him a significant threat in this race.
- Style Cat (5/1), also from Peter Miller’s barn and ridden by Juan J. Hernandez, has shown versatility and competitiveness. This gelding will be looking to capitalize on his strong closing ability.
- Got’m Cot’m (10/1), trained by Val Brinkerhoff and ridden by Kyle Frey, could provide an intriguing upset. This colt has showcased agility and determination in various stakes races.
Trainer Highlights
- Phil D’Amato has a strong entry with Shea Brennan, whose recent form and consistent performances put him in a favorable position.
- Peter Miller has two entries—Style Cat and R Heisman—creating a formidable presence with their diverse skill sets and impressive resumes.