Berkeley, Calif. (February 15, 2020)-The Bob Baffert trained Azul Coast boasted his superiority in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby, stalking the pace before turning away a pair of Northern California entrees to win the 39th running of one of Northern California’s most prestigious horse races.
Sent off at favored odds of 7-5, Azul Coast sat fourth in the early stages. Under the guidance of winning jockey Rafael Bejarano, the son of Super Saver peeled three-wide for the stretch, turned away eventual third place finisher Indian Peak and disposed of another rival, second place finisher American Farmer, in a driving finish.
“I figured he would get a good trip,” said Bejarano, who is based in Southern California year-round. “He was going well the entire time under me and he showed me a real nice kick when [second place finisher American Farmer] tried to come get us at the sixteenth pole.”
Wine and Whisky completed the top four placings while The Stiff finished fifth. They were followed by Sacred Rider, Ajourneytofreedom, Czechmight, Final Final, Mysterious Stones and Praise Loudly.
Azul Coast is owned by Karl Watson, Paul Weitman and Michael Pegram. With the 2020 El Camino Real Derby in the books, Azul Coast improved his career record to 2 wins and 1 second from 3 lifetime starts, with $104,000 in earnings. Azul Coast earned 10 Kentucky Derby points and a free Preakness berth with his Saturday victory. Rafael Bejarano picked up his first El Camino Real Derby victory while Bob Baffert won the prestigious Bay Area horse race for the second time in his career, having won the 1996 edition with Cavonnier.