Lukas Missing Santa Anita Derby Once Again

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who did not compete in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) last year for the first time since 1979, will miss the West Coast's premier 3-year-old race again this year.

In fact, the Hall of Fame conditioner said he wouldn't be stabling in Southern California by the time the race is run on April 3.

"We'll be completely gone by then," Lukas said Friday. "We're shipping out (of Santa Anita) on March 31 to Keeneland, Churchill (Downs) and New York. We're going to split our stock up."

Lukas is tied with Bob Baffert for most Santa Anita Derby victories with four, although Lukas hasn't won the 1 1/8-mile test since Winning Colors entered the winner's circle in 1988. His other winners were Marfa ('83), Muttering ('82) and Codex ('80).

Lukas is winless with 66 starters at Santa Anita through March 19.