The journey to the Kentucky Derby is shifting with each and every race. There was indeed a moment when Bob Baffert’s Citizen Bull was at the forefront of the pack. However, with the emergence of new competitors, the colt has slipped to sixth place, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for the horse trainer. He is looking forward to his seventh Kentucky Derby victory, which will undoubtedly present a range of challenges from rival competitors. Are you informed about Baffert’s upcoming plans?
On X, NYRA Bets released a report indicating that “Bob Baffert is looking for a record-setting sixth Arkansas Derby victory and has his blazing fast runner Cornucopian entered at @OaklawnRacing as the ML favorite. Will Cornucopian be able to qualify for the @KentuckyDerby in only his second career start?”
The Arkansas Derby stands as a prestigious Grade 1 race, and for Bob Baffert, this is not an unfamiliar challenge, given his impressive record of five previous victories. This time, he will not only pursue the sixth title but also vital points for the Kentucky Derby. How much? The official website of the Kentucky Derby states that the race will distribute points in the amounts of 100, 50, 25, 15, and 10.
This presents a significant challenge for Cornucopian. What’s the reason behind that? Should the three-year-old clinch the top spot in the race, he will swiftly ascend into the top three of the current leaderboard for the Road to Kentucky Derby. What is the history of Cornucopian?
Bob Baffert is looking for a record-setting sixth Arkansas Derby victory and has his blazing fast runner Cornucopian entered at @OaklawnRacing as the ML favorite.
Will Cornucopian be able to qualify for the @KentuckyDerby in only his second career start? #HorseRacing pic.twitter.com/8NIpeMqvTy
— NYRA Bets (@NYRABets) March 23, 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, the Arkansas Derby marks the horse’s initial race after securing a maiden victory at Oaklawn Park just a month prior. Nonetheless, with the race taking place at the same venue, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the three-year-old colt. But how did the community respond to Baffert’s pursuit of yet another achievement?
Fans debating on Bob Baffert’s next appearance
If Bob Baffert secures this victory, it will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone for the horse trainer. One enthusiastic supporter remarked, “Cornucopian is 7/5 on the morning line!! Either he’s the greatest horse of all time, or the rest of the field is preposterously bad (or both!).” A fan highlighted the scene, stating, “Field of nine at @OaklawnRacing for the Arkansas Derby. Can the Cinderella Story continue for Coal Battle? Can Sandman finally put it all together? Or will Baffert blow them away with Cornucopian?”
However, it appears that this supporter is rooting for a different outcome, expressing their sentiment with, “Hope not!” What does the landscape look like in this field? The lineup from gate 1 to 9 includes Bereton’s Baytown at 30-1, First Division at 20-1, Publisher at 6-1, Bestfriend Rocket at 20-1, Speed King at 15-1, Sandman at 3-1, Monet’s Magic at 20-1, Coal Battle at 7-2, and Cornucopian at 7-5. Did you know that another colt trained by Baffert is set to compete in an upcoming race?
Indeed, the subject at hand is Madaket Road. The latest update was posted on X by horse racing photographer J. McLaughlin Safford, who noted, “Madaket Road worked 5F in 1:00.80 this morning under Martin Garcia for HoF trainer Bob Baffert.” What race is Madaket Road associated with? The Grade 1 Florida Derby is scheduled for March 29. Indeed, only time will reveal how he will perform against the competition.
Returning to the conversation about the Arkansas Derby, this enthusiast remarked, “Going to be a great race! I still like Coal Battle in the winner’s circle!” In a similar vein, another enthusiast expressed their excitement, declaring, “COAL BATTLE !!!”
The Arkansas Derby promises to be captivating, given the impressive lineup of horses that have taken part in this race. Only time will reveal whether Baffert’s horse can secure that sixth title for his trainer, along with a significant number of points for the Kentucky Derby.
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