May 4th, 2024 — We’re In The Kentucky Derby!

May 3, 2024 — It’s really quite simple. If you’re in horse racing, regardless of your job or position, you want to get to the Kentucky Derby. But the reality is very few make it.

Phil D’Amato has won multiple training titles at Santa Anita and Del Mar. He’s had 32 starts in the Breeders’ Cup. He’s missing only one thing from his rather impressive resume and that box will be checked Saturday when the gates open in the 12th race at Churchill Downs.

“This is pretty much what I’ve worked my whole career to get to this point,” D’Amato said. “It’s been my dream to have a horse in the Kentucky Derby. And to finally achieve that, I’m still taking it one day at a time. I can’t really put it into feelings. And to be able to share it with my friends, family and owners, it’s just a good feeling.”

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Apr 6, 2024 — Stronghold, a neck winner of the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 6 earned 100 points toward qualifying for the 2024 Kentucky Derby with that win and currently sits in fourth place on the latest Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, thus guaranteeing him a spot in the starting gate.

Phil D’Amato is a California-based trainer best known for his knack with turf runners such as Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Obviously and Grade 1 winners like Bowies Hero, Midnight Storm, Gold Phoenix, Going Global, Count Again, and Hunt. Stronghold would be his first starter in the Kentucky Derby.

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Apr 8, 2024 — Unbeaten in two starts in the West in 2024, Stronghold, the winner of Saturday’s Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, will be rated as a longshot when he starts in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4.

That’s cool with trainer Phil D’Amato, “I don’t mind going in under the radar,” D’Amato said. “I have faith in my horse. I’ll focus on him.”

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