Before 2014, the race was called the Swaps Stakes and was run at Hollywood Park Racetrack before its closure in 2013.
Horses such as Round Table, Bold Reason, and Riva Ridge won the Hollywood Derby after competing in the U.S.
To lure top 3 year olds to enter the Swaps Stakes, at base a $100,000 added event, provisions were included to increase the purse substantially if one or more Triple Crown race winners participated.
This came into play the following year when Belmont Stakes winner Avatar entered which triggered an increase of added purse money to $200,000.
This prep would serve Affirmed well in 1978 as he would win the Hollywood Derby en route to becoming the 11th Triple Crown champion.