D’Amato sees the added distance as a positive. “Stronghold is a horse that just continues to improve, and I think it’s the further the better with him,” D’Amato said. “He does just enough.

Sale History: 2020 OBSWIN, $7,500; 2021 OBSMAR, $40,000 . Broodmare Sire: War Chant, Dark Bay or Brown, 1997. Sale History: 2020 KEESEP, $15,000; 2021 OBSAPR, $37,000 .

Stronghold, winner of the 2024 Santa Anita Derby (G1) for trainer Phil D'Amato, breezed over the main track in 1:01 2/5 while Doug O'Neill-trained 2024 Pacific Classic (G1) winner Mixto went the ...