With just a handful of prep races remaining under Bob Baffert’s guidance, he isn’t leaving anything to chance when it comes to his horses. Participating in races undoubtedly presents opportunities, yet he maintains elevated expectations for his horses, particularly the two set to compete in the forthcoming Santa Anita Derby. This esteemed Grade 1 thoroughbred horse race, exclusively for three-year-olds, takes place every April at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.
Established in 1935, this race spans a distance of 1⅛ miles (9 furlongs) on a dirt track, featuring a purse of $500,000. However, it’s not just the money that’s at stake; the vital Kentucky Derby points are also on the line. Indeed, Baffert is pursuing that seventh title, and he aims for his horses, Citizen Bull and Barnes, to earn those points necessary for a chance at the Run for the Roses.
Nonetheless, with two horses competing in the same race, could it pose an issue if they find themselves vying for that top position to secure the maximum points?
In fact, Bob Baffert has provided a response to this inquiry, stating, “They’re fast horses, you know, and I hope they don’t get in each other’s way, but I can’t help that, you know, these jockeys, you know, I just, I let them go, and you guys do your thing, and if, you know, if it works out, it works out, but you, you know, if they, they’re fast.”
Martin Garcia is set to ride Citizen Bull, while Juan Hernandez will take the reins on Barnes. Both individuals demonstrate considerable skill as jockeys, and Baffert is fully cognizant of their proficiency in the field.
Given a potential fierce rivalry between the two horses and their jockeys at Santa Anita in the near future, Baffert is cautious about not wanting to intervene and disrupt their competition in the race, particularly if a situation arises where both are vying for the top spot. However, do you recall how Hernandez has been quite assured about Barnes recently?
Jockey’s honest opinion on Bob Baffert’s horse
As the Santa Anita Derby approaches, jockey Juan Hernandez has expressed his confidence in his horse, noting, “It was his first time going long. I think he’ll get a lot of benefit from that race. He didn’t have the experience of going two turns and he still ran great.” What was the subject of his discussion? Recently, public perception of Barnes has been notably varied. What is the reason for that?
Well, the three-year-old colt was defeated in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes by Journalism. Nonetheless, this was also the event that Hernandez perceived as an expanding chance for the horse. Barnes is indeed a graded stakes winner, having claimed victory in the San Vicente Stakes prior to the San Felipe Stakes. The colt has demonstrated his prowess, and as the Santa Anita Derby approaches, Hernandez anticipates nothing short of an impressive performance from him.
In a similar vein, Baffert shares this perspective. While he undoubtedly exudes confidence in his horses, he has also recognized the hurdles ahead, remarking, “I think it’s the toughest (Kentucky Derby) prep of the year. Journalism is the horse to beat and we still don’t really know how good Baeza is. He’s a nice horse. I think we’ll know more when they hit the three-eighths pole.” Now, it remains to be seen how Barnes will fare in the upcoming prep race.
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