D'Amato delays Stronghold's return for one more work, easier distance

ARCADIA, Calif. – Stronghold, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in 2024, will have a delayed start to his 2026 season.

Trainer Phil D’Amato withdrew Stronghold from Sunday’s Grade 3 San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita in favor of races at Keeneland or Oaklawn Park in coming weeks.

“I think he’s one work away,” D’Amato said on Sunday morning. “There are a couple of spots at Oaklawn Park and Keeneland. I think they will prove to be better, timing-wise.”

D’Amato said the seven-furlong distance of the $100,000 San Carlos Stakes was a factor in the decision to scratch.

“Coming off the bench, seven-eighths is a grueling distance,” D’Amato said. “If it was 6 1/2 [furlongs], I’d feel better.”

Stronghold, owned by Rick and Sharon Waller, has not raced since a second by a half-length in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar last August. He is winless in six starts since the 2024 Santa Anita Derby, including a seventh in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.