The year 2021 will go down as one of the worst years of the career for Bob Baffert. The legendary trainer received a two-year suspension in June that year after his horse, Medina Spirit, failed a post-race drug test following the 147th Kentucky Derby. Subsequently, his suspension was increased by a year, as Baffert had to stay away from Churchill Downs till last year. Earlier this year, he announced his comeback for this year’s Kentucky Derby and has already begun his preparations for the same. And now, he’s all set to make his comeback and vie for his record 7th Derby title.
With the 151st Kentucky Derby just 10 days away, Baffert is leaving no stone unturned to make a grand comeback. His Wood Memorial winner, Rodriguez, and Santa Anita Oaks winner Tenma arrived at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. The two horses were pictured arriving at the grounds in their trailers after traveling many long miles ahead of the big race.
Bob Baffert’s Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez and Santa Anita Oaks winner Tenma have arrived at @ChurchillDowns for the @KentuckyDerby and Oaks. pic.twitter.com/PDn2HWwmeJ
— Sean Collins (@BH_SCollins) April 22, 2025
Interestingly, Rodriguez stands fourth in the leaderboard of the Kentucky Derby. Subsequently, a video also circulated, showing the horse working out on the track in Churchill Downs. He looked like a solid contender, and it was seen from the intense preparations that the horse was undergoing.
Moreover, his jockey, Mike Smith, is also confident about putting up a good show at the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4 miles. “I love that when I pulled him up the outrider had to get me. It was easy for him, the first time going a mile and an eighth. He cruised around there. He could have gone another eighth of a mile that day,” Smith said. The Hall of Fame jockey was referring to Rodriguez’s Wood Memorial victory in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby.
Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Bob Baffert has already made clear his plans for a strong comeback. During an interview, he explained how he plans to make a winning return at Churchill Downs.
Bob Baffert on his return: ‘Want to put this behind us’
It will be after four years that Bob Baffert will be seen competing at Churchill Downs after serving a suspension. However, with that episode behind Baffert now, he is fully focused on clinching the Derby at Churchill Downs. Ahead of the big day, he made a nervous confession about his return.
Baffert said, “I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission took steps to enforce the rules that they believed were necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do without any more distraction or negativity. I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle.”
Further, apart from Rodriguez, Bob Baffert would also have Citizen Bull as a starter in the Kentucky Derby. Can the legendary trainer claim a victory at this year’s Kentucky Derby after a long-awaited return? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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