ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — The Factor emerged as a strong contender to give trainer Bob Baffert his fourth Kentucky Derby victory with a gate-to-wire win in the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday.
With Baffert favorite Martin Garcia in the saddle replacing Rafael Bejarano, The Factor went straight to the front of the field of six 3-year-olds and never looked back, beating Sway Away by three-quarters of a length and covering seven furlongs in 1:20.34.
The Factor set a track record for six furlongs in a win at Santa Anita on Dec. 26, and coming into the Grade 2 San Vicente the gray colt was considered Baffert’s No. 2 Triple Crown Prospect after Jaycito.
The silver-haired trainer has 20 horses nominated for the Run for the Roses.
