Azul Coast made the journey to Golden Gate Fields from his southern California base to take the $100,000 El Camino Real Derby on Saturday afternoon.

The win did not come easy for the 3-year-old colt, who ran second to stablemate Authentic in the Jan. 4 Sham S. (G3). Getting a three-wide trip on both turns, he eventually made the lead in upper stretch and held off American Farmer late to win the 1 1/8-mile trip by 1 1/4-lengths.

“I figured he would get a good trip,” said winning rider Rafael Bejarano. “He was going well the entire time under me and he showed me a real nice kick (at the finish).”

Azul Coast, who is owned by Karl Watson, Paul Weitman and Michael Pegram, improved his career record to 2 wins and 1 second from 3 lifetime starts, with $104,000 in earnings. Azul Coast earned 10 Kentucky Derby points and a free Preakness berth with his El Camino victory. 

Azul Coast is Baffert's second El Camino winner. The first, Cavonnier in 1996, would go on to finish second by a nose in the Kentucky Derby (G1).