Medina Spirit works before taking off for Kentucky

Medina Spirit has been a constant presence in 3-year-old stakes at Santa Anita since the beginning of the year, and consistent enough to merit a start in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1.

Medina Spirit won the Grade 3 Robert Lewis Stakes on Jan. 30, and was second in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes in early January, the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 6, and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 3.

Medina Spirit has been well tested in the build-up to the Kentucky Derby. Thursday at Santa Anita, Medina Spirit worked six furlongs in 1:12.20, a day before his scheduled departure to Kentucky.

“He went nice,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He came back and he looked like he handled it well. He was bouncing coming off the track and that’s a good sign.”

Owned by Zedan Racing Stable, Medina Spirit has won 2 of 5 starts and earned $315,200, far above his $35,000 purchase price at auction last year.

In the Santa Anita Derby, Medina Spirit was the 4-5 favorite and finished 4 1/4 lengths behind Rock Your World, who led throughout. Medina Spirit raced as a stalker under jockey John Velazquez, who is booked to ride the colt in the Kentucky Derby.

“He’s one of these horses and he gives it all,” Baffert said. “He gets himself in a good spot. He tries hard and his heart is bigger than his body.”