UPDATE: Bob Baffert has just secured his record-breaking seventh win in the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita, solidifying his status as a leading trainer in this prestigious race. In a dramatic turn of events, two of Baffert’s top contenders were scratched just before the race, creating an unexpected scenario for the trainer and his fans.
On Sunday, December 26, 2023, Baffert entered the race with five strong horses in contention for the $200,000, Grade I sprint for 3-year-olds. However, just two days prior, he was forced to scratch his top choice, Barnes, due to what he described as a minor setback. The drama escalated when Cornucopian, the new favorite, reared and fell in the paddock just 15 minutes before the race, prompting another scratch.
With only three horses left, Baffert’s remaining contender, Goal Oriented, ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, made a stunning comeback from last place to clinch victory, finishing ahead of Baffert’s other horse, Midland Money, by a length in front of an electrifying crowd of 41,962 fans.
Baffert celebrated in the winner’s circle, saying, “There’s strength in numbers, you know?” His success was further amplified by earlier wins on the same day, including a 1-2 finish in the Grade II Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes and a commanding performance by Usha in the Grade I La Brea Stakes.
The race was particularly notable as the final time of 1:20.99 for the seven furlongs marked the fastest Malibu Stakes since 2016. Goal Oriented’s win ended a four-race losing streak that included a fourth-place finish in the Preakness Stakes, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for the horse.
Goal Oriented, a son of Not This Time and owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, now holds the distinction of being a Grade I winner. SF Racing’s Tom Ryan shared his thoughts on the day’s events, stating, “There’s no one to blame. It is what it is. We’re leading in another Grade I winner.”
The incident with Cornucopian, who was a strong contender at 7-5 odds, raises questions about race day safety protocols. After the horse fell, Baffert confirmed that the decision to scratch was precautionary, saying, “Once they touch (the ground), that’s it, you’re out. It was crazy. It’s just so upsetting. The horse was doing so well.”
This seventh Malibu win for Baffert surpasses the previous record held by fellow Hall of Famer Richard Mandella between 1988 and 2019. Baffert’s Malibu winners over the years include notable names like The Factor, McKinzie, and Charlatan. Each victory has contributed to a legacy that continues to draw attention and admiration within the horse racing community.
As the racing season unfolds, all eyes will be on Baffert and his stable, eagerly anticipating their next moves in upcoming races. The dramatic circumstances surrounding this Malibu Stakes victory are sure to be a talking point among fans and experts alike, highlighting both the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing.
