Why Does the Santa Anita Derby Matter?

Santa Anita Park is steeped in preparations for the 76th annual Santa Anita Derby, which takes place Saturday.
Arguably the most prestigious West Coast race of the year, the Derby carries a $1 million purse. At 1 1/8 miles, the Derby is also one of the longest races.
Fact: Did you know that 16 horses that have run in the Santa Anita Derby have gone on to clinch the Kentucky Derby?
Last year, I'll Have Another came out of nowhere and captivated a nation by winning the Santa Anita Derby. He then took the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes—the first two legs of the fabled Triple Crown.
Unfortunately, I'll Have Another's bid for the Triple Crown ended when he injured his tendon and his trainer had to scratch him from the Belmont Stakes.
And before I'll Have Another, there was Affirmed, who won the Santa Anita Derby in 1978 and went on to win the Triple Crown that same year.