A rough Kentucky Derby doesn’t have to dash our hopes for a great Preakness Stakes, does it? Why not ask Bob Baffert about it? The trainer was keen to run his two horses, Rodriguez and Goal Oriented, in the G1 event. However, due to a lingering foot injury, they had to shift Rodriguez’s schedule to the Belmont Stakes. Looks like it’s all about Goal Oriented now. So, the odds are finally out!
NBC Sports shared a chart on X that highlights Goal Oriented with odds of 6-1, making him an interesting contender in a tough nine-horse race. Even though Goal Oriented has just two career starts under his belt, he’s shown some serious potential, especially with that impressive win at Churchill Downs on May 3. With his undefeated record and impressive performances, he’s definitely a horse to keep an eye on in this year’s race.
Baffert has an impressive record with eight Preakness wins and is well-known for his success with elite horses. He’s back in the Triple Crown series, and he’s really putting an emphasis on developing up-and-coming talent like Goal Oriented.
“Some horses are made for it. I think he has a lot of quality. We haven’t seen his best yet. I would have run him a mile first out at home, but the timing wasn’t right. This race, the other day, we put him on the lead. I don’t think he has to be on the lead. We did it because we didn’t know what to expect with the rain. I was going to run him in the Sir Barton and Rodriguez in the Preakness. To me, he’s going to run hard in the Sir Barton; I’d rather run him in the Preakness,” Baffert shared, expressing his confidence in Goal Oriented for the G1 event.
Who are you investing in for the special 150th running? pic.twitter.com/qoU9ZmVquI
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 15, 2025
The 2025 Preakness Stakes is pretty special since it marks the last race at the current Pimlico Race Course before they tear it down and rebuild it. This really brings a sense of prestige and urgency to the event, with trainers and horses looking to make their mark on the rich history of the venue. Goal Oriented is off to a great start, and with Baffert’s experience, it’s no surprise the colt’s 6-1 odds show his potential alongside the tough competition in this year’s Preakness field.
With the race coming up, everyone is curious to see if this unbeaten horse can step up and snag a memorable win. What did the trainer say about Rodriguez’s future?
Bob Baffert’s horse will head towards the next leg of the American Triple Crown
“He’ll be perfect for the Belmont. I couldn’t prep him like I wanted to [for the Preakness]. Once he had the foot issue, you got to let those things simmer down. I didn’t have enough time,” Bob Baffert said, confirming Rodriguez’s status for the Preakness Stakes. This statement not only explains why the well-respected colt won’t be participating in the 2025 Preakness Stakes but also hints at why he could be even more formidable when the Belmont comes up.
So, there was a bit of a setback with a foot issue, and Baffert mentioned that it really threw off Rodriguez’s training schedule. For a top trainer like Baffert, whose career often relies on spot-on conditioning and timing, even a small hiccup in preparation can mean pulling a promising horse from a big race — especially with the Belmont, a longer and tougher challenge, just around the corner.
Baffert is really taking his time with Rodriguez, playing the long game here. Instead of hurrying the colt back for the Preakness, he’s focusing on keeping his form and fitness in check for a better shot at the Belmont Stakes, where stamina and late-season refinement really count.
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