Mandella points Forbidden Kingdom to Santa Anita Derby

Richard Mandella’s Hall of Fame resume has few voids.

Lacking a Kentucky Derby victory is one, as is a win in the Santa Anita Derby.

One or both could be fulfilled this year, if Forbidden Kingdom retains the form he showed winning Saturday’s Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, which earned him 50 Kentucky Derby qualifying points toward the Run for the Roses on May 7.

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At a 1 1/16 miles, it was the son of 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah’s first two-turn race and he handled it with alacrity and aplomb.

But before Kentucky, the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G2) at 1 1/8 miles awaits on April 9.

“Right now, the plan is to stay home,” Mandella said Sunday morning, after Forbidden Kingdom’s dominating front-running victory by nearly six lengths in the San Felipe.

“I was surprised by how easy he won,” Mandella said. “I didn’t think he’d overpower them like that. I think he’s getting better. He’s improving.

“That’s the plan (to run in the Santa Anita Derby). I’m not in a hurry to travel him around now, anyway.”

Subtly reminded he’s never won the Kentucky Derby (from six starters) – or the Santa Anita Derby, for that matter – Mandella, in typical self-deprecating fashion, shrugged it off with, “I’m due.”