For those passionate about horse racing, it’s no secret that Bob Baffert is on the hunt for his seventh Kentucky Derby win. Indeed, Churchill Downs has lifted his suspension, and do you recall his statement?

“I understand and appreciate that Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission took steps to enforce the rules that they believed were necessary to protect the safety and integrity of horse racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby. My family and I want to put this behind us and get back to doing what we love to do without any more distraction or negativity. I very much look forward to returning to Churchill Downs and getting back to the Winner’s Circle,” remarked the 72-year-old horse trainer.

Baffert is resolute in his quest to achieve a remarkable return on the esteemed track where he has celebrated numerous victories in the past. Nevertheless, the journey to the Kentucky Derby has proven to be anything but straightforward for his horses. Upon examining the current leaderboard, it becomes evident that Baffert’s horses are conspicuously absent from the top positions. Nevertheless, this situation could shift dramatically in the forthcoming Santa Anita Derby. Bob Baffert is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to race his two horses in the Grade 1 event. And who might they be?

Citizen Bull and Barnes are the individuals in question. Although Citizen Bull boasts an impressive record, fans are expressing significant concern regarding Barnes, who, last month, faced a defeat in the San Felipe Stakes, finishing second to Journalism. However, have you heard? Jockey Juan Hernandez expresses a strong sense of assurance regarding his performance in the upcoming race. According to DRF’s official website, the jockey expressed his views on riding Barnes, noting, “It was his first time going long. I think he’ll get a lot of benefit from that race. He didn’t have the experience of going two turns and he still ran great.”

The San Felipe Stakes may not have been a triumph for the horse, yet the jockey views it as an opportunity for development. Hernandez expresses strong confidence in riding Barnes, believing that the three-year-old has gained valuable insights from the errors made during his previous outing at Santa Anita.

The jockey maintains a close connection with his horse, having been present during Barnes’ workout, where he completed a half-mile in 48 seconds on Monday. But did you know that Barnes has a unique backstory?

The story behind Bob Baffert’s three-year-old colt

Barnes, the racehorse named after Bob Baffert’s longtime assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes, has demonstrated considerable potential in his nascent career. Acquired for $3.2 million by owner Amr Zedan during the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale, Barnes delivered a remarkable debut on November 27, 2024, at Churchill Downs. What were Jimmy’s thoughts on this remarkable tribute from Baffert?

“They surprised me and I was honored. I was a little nervous, but it is working out well so far. I had a little bit of a knot in my stomach, but it will only get better after this,” remarked the assistant trainer. It’s a rare occasion when one receives recognition from the legendary Bob Baffert. Though Jimmy found himself bewildered by the unexpected kindness directed at him, he recognized that he would need time to fully comprehend the situation. How did Baffert react to Barnes’ significant victory at the San Vicente Stakes?

“I knew he would run well. I was watching Juan; he knows the horse well, and he said he was a little green. But everyone who has worked with him says he has another gear. They are all a little green. The second (race) out is the most important for all these horses,” remarked the 72-year-old. The manner in which Barnes sprinted to his triumph at Santa Anita certainly caught the trainer’s attention.

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Moreover, he expressed satisfaction that the jockey and the horse were in perfect sync throughout the race. Baffert is optimistic about Barnes, and only time will tell if he is the horse capable of restoring the trainer’s reputation at Churchill Downs next month.