Stronghold Secures Kentucky Derby Berth with Santa Anita Derby Win

The victory not only marks a significant milestone for trainer Phil D'Amato and jockey Antonio Fresu but also highlights the competitive landscape leading up to the 150th Kentucky Derby.

• Stronghold wins the Santa Anita Derby, securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
• This victory marks the first Kentucky Derby starter for trainer Phil D'Amato and jockey Antonio Fresu.
• Imagination, trained by Bob Baffert, finished second but is ineligible for the Kentucky Derby due to a ban on Baffert by Churchill Downs.
• In other Kentucky Derby preps, Sierra Leone and Resilience also secured wins, leading the qualifying points leaderboard.
• The Kentucky Derby, offering a $5 million purse, is set for May 4, marking its 150th running.

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