As the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar get closer, trainer Bob Baffert is making some smart moves with his top-notch stable by entering a bunch of important qualifying races. While some contenders are being tested in final preps, Baffert has already confirmed one of his top performers for the championship event, demonstrating a mix of confidence and calculated planning as he navigates the path to racing’s biggest stage.

The main development comes in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff division, where Baffert has made a decisive move. According to Daily Racing Form, the Hall of Fame trainer has confirmed that his filly is set for the $2 million race, saying, “Seismic Beauty’s going straight to the Breeders’ Cup [Distaff]. She’s doing really well.”

There’s a solid basis for this confidence, thanks to recent performance. Back in early August, Seismic Beauty clinched her spot automatically by racing from start to finish to take home the win in the $400,000 Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar, which is also the venue for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup. She scored her third win in a row, and it came with an impressive 110 Beyer Speed Figure, really highlighting her developing talent.

Baffert said after the Hirsch win, “That wasn’t an easy lead, they were rolling. She’s a big filly. She looks like she’s going easy, but they were going fast. She’s just getting better and better. She’s still maturing, but I think she’ll improve off of that.”

Indeed, the Hall of Fame trainer was just impressed and believed that there’s more potential in the Uncle Mo filly. Seismic Beauty has got a solid spot, but Baffert is really working hard to get his other horses qualified for the other Breeders’ Cup events.

Bob Baffert’s journey will be challenging

As the horse racing community gears up for an important Breeders’ Cup qualifying event at Santa Anita Park, Bob Baffert has some disappointing news to share about the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes, which is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Right before the race, Baffert mentioned Gaming’s situation, saying, “Not a good spot for him. We’ll look for something else.”

This decision, while rational, removes a competitor from a major race and really shows the strategic choices that are involved as we get closer to the Breeders’ Cup. Gaming, who drew the rail and was the 6-1 fourth choice on the morning line, gives Baffert two shots in the Goodwood, who are Privman and Nevada Beach.

Baffert’s take on these three-year-olds really highlights his commitment to helping them develop for what’s coming up next. He mentioned Privman, a colt by Justify who’s about to make his stakes debut. He described him as “a bit immature” and noted that “we’re looking down the road with him.” He expressed his excitement about Nevada Beach but noted that the horse is still in the process of refining his skills. We’ll just have to wait and see if they can hold their own against the competition and snag a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.