The anticipation is palpable within the horse racing community as the Kentucky Derby approaches. What reason could there possibly be for them not to be? The excitement is noticeable, fueled by the impressive performances of numerous three-year-old horses during the prep races, showcasing their best efforts on the tracks. Bob Baffert is in pursuit of his seventh Kentucky Derby title, facing a formidable field of competitors along the way. In light of recent decisions, two of his horses are set to compete at Churchill Downs, but the odds aren’t looking quite well for Citizen Bull and Rodriguez.
The 72-year-old trainer is set to make his return to this racecourse following his suspension, fully aware of the stakes involved. However, have you heard? Amidst the intense pressure of the Run for the Roses, Baffert has been deliberate in assessing the horse set to compete in the Kentucky Oaks. The upcoming 151st edition of the race is set for Friday, May 2, 2025, at Churchill Downs, featuring the finest 3-year-old fillies in the country, all competing for a substantial purse of $1.5 million.
This esteemed occasion, commonly known as “Lilies for the Fillies,” stands out as a key feature of the spring racing calendar and acts as a complement to the Kentucky Derby. Who is Baffert entering in this race? It’s Tenma. And would you believe it? An update has emerged concerning the three-year-old filly. On X, photographer J. McLaughlin Safford shared, “Kentucky Oaks bound Tenma worked 6F in 1:12.60 this morning under Juan Hernandez for HoF trainer Bob Baffert at Santa Anita Park.”
The scheduled workout unfolded with jockey Juan Hernandez at the reins, expertly guiding the filly as she trained under the watchful eye of Bob Baffert. This performance indicates that Tenma is in excellent shape as she gears up for the prestigious race, with the time reflecting a robust and competitive pace. What about her background, you inquire?
Kentucky Oaks bound Tenma worked 6F in 1:12.60 this morning under Juan Hernandez for HoF trainer Bob Baffert @santaanitapark @BaomaCorp @BobBaffert @JJHernandezS19 pic.twitter.com/8uwXEBwdlJ
— J McLaughlin Safford (@kimo16) April 19, 2025
Under the ownership of Baoma Corporation, Tenma has rapidly established her reputation on the racing circuit. On August 18, 2024, she made a remarkable debut at Del Mar, coming from behind to secure victory in a 5½-furlong maiden race. She secured a close win in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on September 7. Following a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Oak Leaf Stakes, she wrapped up her two-year-old season with a victory in the Grade 2 Starlet Stakes at Los Alamitos on December 7.
On February 2, 2025, Tenma kicked off her three-year campaign with an impressive 6½-length win in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Additionally, she achieved a remarkable 2 1/4-length win in a time of 1:46.15 in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks, reinforcing her position as a top contender for the Kentucky Oaks. Baffert has a strong contender for this race, but do you know why he withdrew one of his horses from the Kentucky Derby lineup?
Bob Baffert is taking no chances
David Grening from DRF reported, “Madaket Road to Pat Day Mile, says Bob Baffert. Opens up spot in KY Derby for Built if they want to run. Next on list are Neoequos, Render Judgment, Baeza and California Burrito.” With Bob Baffert at the helm, Rodriguez, Citizen Bull, and Madaket Road were all set for the Kentucky Derby.
Yet, for Madaket Road, the seasoned trainer looks at a fresh challenge. The announcement was made that the three-year-old will not take part in the Kentucky Derby. Baffert is enthusiastic about Madaket Road’s upcoming participation in the Pat Day Mile Stakes. On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is set to feature a Grade 2 Thoroughbred horse race, showcasing the talents of three-year-olds.
The colt will remain at the venue, but he will not participate in the Run for the Roses. This update certainly took many by surprise, as it opens the door for other horses to join the competition.
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