Bob Baffert has had quite the successful summer meet at Del Mar, and it’s shaping up to be a great lead-in for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships happening at the same track this fall. Baffert really showed off his skills with young horses, snagging his record-setting 19th win in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity with the impressive $3 million colt, Brant, and also taking home his 12th Del Mar Debutante with Bottle of Rouge.

These wins, part of a meet where he had 24 winners, really showcased how strong and deep his stable is, especially with the two-year-olds. It’s setting his operation up for a great performance on the racing championship stage. But then, the atmosphere changed as attention turned to Santa Anita Park for an important Breeders’ Cup qualifying event. Baffert shared some disappointing news about the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes, which is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Just before the race, Baffert shared that Gaming would be scratched from the field. The trainer gave a clear and strategic explanation when asked about the reason, according to sports journalist J.J. Hysell on X: “Not a good spot for him. We’ll look for something else.”

This choice, though practical, takes a competitor out of a big race and highlights the strategic decisions that come into play as we approach the Breeders’ Cup. Gaming, who drew the rail and was the 6-1 fourth choice on the morning line, gives Baffert two chances in the Goodwood: Privman and Nevada Beach.

Baffert’s thoughts on these three-year-olds show he’s really focused on how to help them grow for what’s ahead. He talked about Privman, a colt by Justify who’s making his stakes debut, saying he’s “a bit immature” and mentioned that “we’re looking down the road with him.” He shared his optimism for Nevada Beach but mentioned that the horse is still working on honing his skills. Nonetheless, Baffert has accomplished another achievement before the Breeders’ Cup.

Bob Baffert is the best in the west

Equibase recently used X to highlight Bob Baffert’s continued dominance in the industry, thanks to his many victories. “Top 10 trainers in G1 races in North America by wins since 1976,” the social media post caption said, and guess who’s at the top? Baffert, with an impressive 260 wins!

His closest follower was the late D. Wayne Lukas, who was one of his best friends and racked up 222 wins in his career. Baffert’s stats are even more impressive, especially since he couldn’t add to his resume while he was suspended from Churchill Downs between 2021 and 2024. So, after Median Spirit’s post-match drug test didn’t go well after winning the Kentucky Derby, the trainer ended up getting banned from the CDI grounds for three years.

Still, looking at the latest Equibase stats, it’s clear that Baffert’s knack for winning hasn’t taken a hit from the long break. With the Breeders’ Cup coming up, Baffert is probably excited about the chance to add more G1 wins to his resume.