Forbidden Kingdom speeds to victory in the San Vicente S. (G2)

Forbidden Kingdom and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade II, $200,000 San Vicente S. BENOIT PHOTO

MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm’s Forbidden Kingdom took his first step on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail with a powerful, front-running victory in the $200,000 San Vicente S. (G2) Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

The 3-year-old colt, who was making his first start of the year, turned away a trio of Bob Baffert trainees in the stretch to win the seven-furlong contest by 2 ¼-lengths. After shooting out of the gate to take the lead right away, the chestnut colt was never seriously threatened at any point. He wrapped up the distance in 1:22.75 on a fast main track.

“He’s as quick as they come,” said trainer Richard Mandella, who indicated his colt would make his next start Mar. 5 in the San Felipe S (G2). “In his last race (Nov. 14, G3 Bob Hope S.), he tore a piece of his foot off [after stumbling at the start]. We had to fix it up and it is good, and we hope it stays good. We’ll have to try two turns down the road here. He’s gotten better about everything. He was so professional today, everything went well.”

Forbidden Kingdom finished second in the aforementioned Bob Hope and third in the Speakeasy S. before Saturday’s breakthrough win. His record now stands at 2-1-1 in four starts, with earnings of $194,000.