The thrills of the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024 are already forgotten. Last year, Mystik Dan, trained by Kenneth McPeek, emerged as the fastest and edged out his competitors with his tremendous grit and determination. This year promises to be all the more thrilling and exciting as some of the most promising names in horse racing will potentially be featured in the lineup. Among them is the three-year-old thoroughbred, Rodriguez. Nearly two months before the Kentucky Derby kicks off, legendary trainer Bob Baffert gave a glimpse of what is set to come.

Rodriguez debuted just late last year at Del Mar in November and finished second after putting on a fine try in his maiden race. However, the most memorable moment of his racing career came earlier this year when he finished first at Santa Anita in January. As a result, Baffert wanted to continue the momentum and had planned to run Rodriguez at Oaklan Park in the G2 Rebel earlier this month.However, due to the unforeseen climatic conditions, he decided against it. Talking about this, Baffert said, “There was a cold spell out there and I just decided to keep him home. He’s improving.”

Baffert also spoke about his other horses in the fray for this year’s Kentucky Derby. He was particularly impressed by Mellencamp, who nearly won against Baeza recently. “He ran a good race against Baeza. That’s a nice horse,” he said. “He needs to run and we’re giving him a chance,” Baffert added.

Meanwhile, one of Baffert’s top picks for this year’s Kentucky Derby could be Barnes. He will be seen in action for the first time in the Road to the Kentucky Derby in Saturday’s $300,000, San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Additionally, Barnes is one of the favorites in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager pools. Recently, he won stylishly at the San Vicente Stakes in January. As Baffert said, “He’s done everything right.”

Furthermore, Baffert has also been in much of the news of late as he draws close to a comeback at the Kentucky Derby. The legendary trainer faced a 3-year ban—that was rescinded in 2024—after his horse failed a doping test. But with the controversy behind him now, the 72-year-old has all engines in overdrive for the journey ahead.

Bob Baffert is mastering the Road to the Kentucky Derby

Back in 2021, Baffert’s horse, Medina Spirit, won the Kentucky Derby, but he failed a doping test shortly after. As a result, the trainer received a two-year suspension from participating in any races at Churchill Downs, and the horse was also stripped of his title. Subsequently, last year, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced that Baffert was cleared to return to the big stage.

In a statement the CEO of CDI, Bill Carstanjen said, “We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty, and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward. All parties agree that it is time to bring this chapter to a close and focus on the future. Mr. Baffert is welcome to return to any of CDI’s racetracks, including our flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack, and we wish him and his connections good luck in their future competitive endeavors.”

Although Bob Baffert has won the derby 6 times already, this year’s event is an important one as it marks his comeback. Baffert is looking to regain lost ground, and is making quite a statement ahead of the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Two of his horses are positioned in the top three on the Road to the Kentucky Derby table, and it looks like the legendary trainer is back in business, quite literally.

Among them are Citizen Bull and Getaway Car. While the latter is one of Baffert’s most experienced 3-year-old colts, the former is a “champ,” as Baffert famously called him after his victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Feb. 1 at Santa Anita. Additionally, Baffert has another horse in the 5th spot: Madaket Road. But the horse is only 5 points away from 4th place and 6 points away from Getaway Car in 3rd. With a long way to go till May 3rd, anything could happen.

Bob Baffert has clearly set himself up with some good chances to win his 7th Kentucky Derby, which would make him the outright record holder for derby wins as he’s currently tied with Ben Jones with 6. Can Baffert guide his horses to glory at this year’s Kentucky Derby and make history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.