The favorite was Harlan's Holiday, who had won both the Florida Derby and Blue Grass Stakes.
[4][5][6] War Emblem was a relative longshot at odds of 20–1, despite having won the Illinois Derby in frontrunning fashion on April 6.
Shortly after that race, he was purchased by The Thoroughbred Corporation (owned by Saudi Prince Ahmed Salman) and was put into training with Bob Baffert.
Jockey Victor Espinoza was then able to slow down the pace slightly as the colt maintained a lead of 1+1⁄2 lengths down the backstretch and around the final turn.
[1][4] Scratched: Buddha, Danthebluegrassman Source: Equibase Chart[1] Several horses went on to record Grade I wins: Medaglia d'Oro Harlan's Holiday Johannesburg Essence of Dubai Sources: American Classic Pedigrees, Equibase, Blood-Horse Stallion Register, Racing Post