Indian Charlie Wins Santa Anita Derby

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

April 4, 1998 / 6:38 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

Indian Charlie and Real Quiet finished 1-2 in the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, providing trainer Bob Baffert with a 1-2 punch for the Kentucky Derby.

Indian Charlie, unbeaten in four starts, was very impressive in his stakes debut, taking the lead away from Orville N Wilbur's on the final turn and going on to a clear-cut victory.

Real Quiet came on in the stretch to finish second ahead of Artax, who had won stakes in his previous two starts.

Indian Charlie, ridden by Gary Stevens, carried 120 pounds over 1 1/8 miles in 1:47, tying the stakes record set by Lucky Debonair in 1965.

It was the second Santa Anita Derby victory for Baffert in three years and the second successive second-place finish in the race for the trainer.

Cavonnier won the Santa Anita Derby in 1996 but finished second by a whisker to Grindstone in the Kentucky Derby. Silver Charm finished second in the Santa Anita Derby last year, then won the Kentucky Derby.

Indian Charlie stalked Orville N Wilbur's from the break until the final turn, took the lead and drew off to a 2 1/4-length victory over Real Quiet, a victory worth $5.60, $3.40 and $2.60.

Real Quiet ridden by Kent Desormeaux, returned $3.60 and $2.60 after finishing seven lengths in front of Artax, who was $2.60 to show.

Indian Charlie and Real Quiet didn't race as an entry because of different owners.

Orville N Wilbur's led for most of the race, running the first three fractions in 23.18, 46.14 and 1:09.98 with Indian Charlie right behind. Orville N Wilbur's finished fourth in the field of seven 3-year-olds.

Indian Charlie's victory means there will be at least two unbeaten horses in the Kentucky Derby. Event of the Year, winner of the Jim Beam, also is undefeated. Another possible unbeaten Derby starter is Horse of the Year Favorite Trick, who is scheduled to race in the Arkansas Derby next Saturday at Oaklawn Park.