The Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows has produced some talented runners of late, such as Charismatic, Cavonnier, Tabasco Cat, and Ten Most Wanted, but it remains to be seen if any of the ten entrants in this year's edition of the race can run to that standard on the Triple Crown trail. The favorite could be Nikki'sgoldensteed, a California-bred Formal Gold colt who is coming off a 5 3/4 length victory in the February 9th Turf Paradise Derby. He owns the highest speed figures coming into the race for trainer Robert Hess Jr. and jockey Jon Court.

A strict challenge could come from Coast Guard, a David Hofmans-trainee owned by Amerman Racing. Although the son of Stormy Atlantic only has one win in four starts, he was most recently seen finishing behind the very talented Crown of Thorns in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita. A $300,000 yearling, Coast Guard broke his maiden by 2 1/2 lengths in December going one mile.

Behindatthebar is one of the most hyped horses in the state having broken his maiden in style n February 2nd at Santa Anita in his last start. Todd Pletcher trains the son of Forest Wildcat, who will be piloted by Michael Baze.

Bamaha Breeze and Pleasure Grounds bring some spice to the race. Bamaha Breeze is an undefeated son of Lord Carson and is coming off of two straight allowance wins, including one at Bay Meadows. Pleasure Grounds is exiting a win in an optional claimer over the track on February 15th. The California-bred son of Doneraile Court has won three of five starts.

Keep an eye on Master Daniel, trained by Doug O'Neill. The son of Broken Vow broke his maiden by four lengths at the end of January, but has never run around two turns.