Bob Baffert Holds Strong Hand In Kentucky Derby Prep Race

Bob Baffert is preparing for the Kentucky Derby.

Spen Intended is a 2-year-old chestnut colt by Hard Spun out of the First Dude mare Flora Dora. He was a first-out maiden winner going 6 ½ furlongs at Del Mar Sept. 3. National Treasure was second in the Grade American Pharoah Stakes here on Oct. 8 and third in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland Nov. 4. John Velazquez will ride him in Sunday's Sham Stake.

Baffert's Reincarnate won his third start on dirt at Santa Anita. Juan Hernandez will ride him for the second time. Frankie Dettori will be riding Newgate for his first time around two turns. Speed Boat Beach is a question mark. He has been on the grass in his last three starts and won two stakes. He was the 2-5 favorite in Speakeasy Stakes at the Santa Monica track on Oct. 2. His last start was at one mile over the Del Mar lawn on Dec. 4. The horse earned 104 Beyer Speed Figure.

Bob Baffert is in good shape in the Grade III Sham Stakes. The first post time for the nine-race card on Sunday is at 12 noon.

Bob Baffert won the Kentucky Derby prep race.