Bob Baffert is usually one of the star attractions at the Kentucky Derby. He's the trainer of a record-tying six horses to have won the Run for the Roses, including two of the 13 Triple Crown winners in the history of the sport. Last year, he was back at Churchill Downs for the first time since a three-year suspension when 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test.
In 2026, however, Baffert is floating under the radar around the stables ahead of the Kentucky Derby, or at least as under-the-radar as one of the biggest figures in horse racing can be around the track. Baffert has two horses in the field at the 2026 Kentucky Derby, and neither are considered top contenders by oddsmakers and handicappers heading into the race on May 2.
How they perform will nonetheless loom large with Baffert on the verge of Kentucky Derby history if he makes another trip to the winner's circle at Churchill Downs. Potente appears to have the most potential of Baffert's two entries, and he's among the more intriguing horses this week for bettors looking at value plays at the 2026 Run for the Roses.
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It's just not usual to see a Baffert-trained horse at this value ahead of a Triple Crown race. Potente had 24-1 morning line odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby as of Thursday afternoon, with nine of the 20 horses in the field listed with better odds to win.
