Bob Baffert, a three-time Kentucky Derby winner, says he's taking a cautious approach with his highly touted contender Flashback.

The Lewis drew its smallest field in 74 previous runnings with four entered. There have been several five-horse fields, the most recent being in 2010 when Caracortado won.

Flashback, a gray son of Tapit, will be making his 3-year-old debut and only his second start in the Lewis. He broke his maiden last Dec. 8 as the even-money favorite against eight rivals in a seven-furlong race at Betfair Hollywood Park for owners Gary and Mary West.

For Baffert, the Lewis is not necessarily about Flashback getting battle-tested in a field similar in size to the Kentucky Derby.

“Right now, you’re not shooting for the first Saturday in May,” said Baffert. “It’s my horse’s second out, he’s going long, and I want it to be a good experience for him. I want him to run well and come out of it healthy. This race is just like a scrimmage. That’s the way I look at it.”

The field for the Lewis: Little Jerry, Tyler Baze, 8-1; Flashback, Julien Leparoux, 3-5; Den’s Legacy, Garrett Gomez, 5-2; and He’s Had Enough, Mario Gutierrez, 3-1.

Edited Santa Anita release
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