For legendary trainers like Bob Baffert, competing in—and winning—the Kentucky Derby affirms his status among racing’s elite. His suspension barred him from participating in last year’s 150th Kentucky Derby, which ended in a dramatic photo finish. But he is back at Churchill Downs in 2025, eyeing to write a new history.
However, one stop is left before the Run for the Roses on May 3. The Lexington Stakes race is planned for April 12. The G3 race is generally a significant stoppage for being the last chance for a 3-year-old prospect to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. This raises the key question: Will Bob Baffert have a horse in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland this year?
Let’s find out!
The Lexington Race outcome not that important for Kentucky Derby this time
The 1-1/16-mile dirt race also has a $400000 prize money pool. However, none of Bob Baffert’s horses will be competing in the race. Surprising, right? Well, unfortunately, even winning the Lexington Stakes wouldn’t get a horse enough points to qualify for the 151st edition of the most prestigious race in the USA. And thus, the 72-year-old trainer is holding his horses back.
But the race is still lined up to be an entertaining one, especially as the field looks quite evenly matched. Amongst the 9 horses set to go out in the Lexington Stakes, is the No. 7 Praetor of Chad Brown. Even in a race that looks tight, the 3-year-old colt looks to be the one with the best odds. And it’s all because of the impressive win at the Belmont at The Big A in September 2024. The Into Mischief offspring held off a challenge from Kentucky Derby contender Sovereignty to break his maiden. And he will be looking to continue the winning run along with his jockey, Flavien Prat.
But he is not the only one to watch out for. In No. 3 is Gosger. Brendan Walsh will hope his thoroughbred bet will go all the way, just like he did in the Gulfstream in February. What makes this 3-year-old a real contender is that the February win was only his 2nd career start. Having earned the win around 1 turn, this will be Gosger’s first try around 2 turns. Is he ready for it? We will see.
Joining them is Michael McCarthy’s Bullard in No. 3. He hasn’t raced since early January, but a win here will be his 3rd in 4 starts. Also entered are Ken McPeek’s pair, Native Runner and Hypnus. Fausto Gutierrez’s Rolando holds an outside chance because of his speed. But his longest race has been a mile. Can he keep up his speed all the way?
It’s already looking riveting. But with no impact on the Kentucky Derby, maybe the shine of the race will lack a little this time. We know Bob Baffert already has his contenders ready for the Derby, preparing to make a legendary comeback.
With the Kentucky Derby win, Bob Baffert can enter the history books
Tied at six wins with Ben Jones, Baffert holds the record for the most Kentucky Derby victories. The 72-year-old is also a 2-time Triple Crown Winner. And after being suspended from the last 3 editions of the Kentucky Derby, Baffert has the perfect way to make his return to the Churchill Downs. For that, he has his 2 bets, Citizen Bull and Rodriguez, in the lineup.
Rodriguez’s win at the Wood Memorial secured his place among the 20 contenders going for the $5 million prize purse of the Kentucky Derby. Citizen Bull, one of Baffert’s prized possessions, won the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and will have Martin Jarcia on the saddle as they chase history. Madaket Road remains a potential backup contender in Baffert’s Derby lineup. With his bases covered, the Hall of Famer trainer prepares for glory. Although in his way will be, Journalism.
Michael McCarthy’s star thoroughbred enters the Derby as one of the top contenders. Journalism has a 4-race win streak on and has even beaten Baffert’s Citizen Bull in the Santa Anita Derby on April 5. At the San Felipe, Journalism also took down Citizen Bull along with Rodriguez, making this set up for a thrilling finale. We also won’t be seeing last year’s winner, Mystik Dan, in this year’s Derby race, but the field is not short of winners.
Fans are in for a thrilling Derby. The question remains: can Bob Baffert make history on May 3?
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