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’s aiming for his seventh Kentucky Derby victory, but a range of challenges from rival competitors stand in his way. So what are his plans as the all important Derby draws near?

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 his 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 100, 50, 25, 15, and 10 points.

This presents a significant challenge for Cornucopian, but an enticing one. After all, should the three-year-old clinch the top spot in the race, he will swiftly ascend into the top three of the current leaderboard in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings. So what can Cornucopian’s history tell us?

Adding more intrigue into the mix, the Arkansas Derby marks only the horse’s second 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 speculate about the outcome of the Arkansas Derby

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!).” Indeed, Cornucopian is the favorite to win the race with odds of 7-5, coming out on top against more experienced competitors like Coal Battle and Publisher.

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.

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?” Well, the odds are certainly in Cornucopian’s favor. But when’s it’s go time will experience triumph the odds?

However, one supporter was rooting for a different outcome, writing, “Hope not!” It’s not, however, a surprising sentiment. Baffert may have his fans in the community but he still cuts a notorious figure with his personality and that failed drug test from 2021 that got him suspended in the first place.

Naturally, the race is not all about Baffert. Fans of a rival horses were also going to have their say. “Going to be a great race! I still like Coal Battle in the winner’s circle!” In a similar vein, another enthusiast expressed their enthusiasm for the horse, declaring, “COAL BATTLE !!!”  Indeed the 100 points would be quite the windfall for Coal Battle who would shoot up from 4th to 1st place in an instant.

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 not insignificant number of points for the Kentucky Derby.