Tracking Bob Baffert’s Derby Resume

Bob Baffert is back in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a pair of top contenders following a three-year suspension by Churchill Downs.

Baffert, seeking a record-setting seventh Derby victory on May 3, will saddle Citizen Bull, the 2-year-old champion, and Rodriguez, the Wood Memorial (G2) winner.

Madaket Road would have been his third Derby runner, but Baffert decided the Pat Day Mile (G2) on the Derby undercard suits him better.

If you’re a horseplayer and love Baffert in the Kentucky Derby, his results with two entries rather than three may work better in your handicapping.

Kentucky Derby record: 34-6-3-3

The Hall of Fame trainer has quite the impressive Derby ledger – six victories, three seconds, and three thirds from 34 starters in 21 Derbies beginning in 1996, when his first try ended with Cavonnier losing by the shortest of noses to Grindstone.

Among his starters was Medina Spirit, who finished first in the 2021 Derby but was disqualified after testing positive for a race-day medication overage. Baffert was suspended by Churchill Downs, Inc. afterward.

Baffert’s Derby wins tie him with Ben “Plain Ben” Jones for the most by a trainer.

Baffert is 3-for-7 with two horses in the Kentucky Derby

When sending out two horses in a Derby, Baffert ended up in the winner’s circle three times in seven Derbies – a win rate of 43%.

• In 1996, Cavonnier was second, Samoran 14^th
• In 1998, Real Quiet won, Indian Charlie third
• In 2001, Congaree was third, Point Given fifth
• In 2010, Lookin' At Lucky was 6th, Conveyance 15^th
• In 2012, Bodemeister was second, Laision sixth
• In 2015, American Pharoah won, and Dortmund was third
• In 2018, Justify won, Solomini, 10^th

With three horses in a Derby, he’s 0-for-3

More isn’t always better, and each of the three times Baffert sent out a trio in a Kentucky Derby, his best finish was fourth, with Prime Timber in 1999 and Improbable in 2019.

• In 1999, Prime Timber was fourth, Excellent Meeting fifth, and General Challenge 11th.
• In 2006, Point Determined was ninth, Sinister Minister 16^th, and Bob and John 19^th.
• In 2019, Improbable was fourth, Game Winner fifth, Roadster 15^th.

With one horse in a Derby, he’s 3-for-11

Of the 11 Derbies he sent out, one horse and three came away with victories – Silver Charm in 1997, War Emblem in 2002, and Authentic in 2020.

Baffert’s Kentucky Derby favorites are 2-for-8

Eight times, a Baffert entry was sent off as the favorite (in 1999 two of his entries were coupled in the wagering).

The two who won, American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018, went on to complete the Triple Crown, winning the Preakness Stakes (G1) two weeks later, and the Belmont Stakes (G1) three weeks after the Preakness.

His other favorites: Improbable in 2019 (4-1, fourth); Bodemeister in 2012 (4-1, second); Lookin’ At Lucky in 2010 (6-1, sixth); Point Given (8-5, fifth): Excellent Meeting/General Challenge in 1999 (4-1, fifth, 11^th); and Indian Charlie in 1995 (5-2, 3^rd).

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.