Preakness 2024: Bob Baffert Dominates Race with Diminished Hand due to Bad Luck

Bob Baffert faces challenges at Preakness Stakes after favorite falls ill. Can Imagination step up and secure his ninth win?

For thirty long years, Bob Baffert lived by a simple rule: never relax until the saddle is on your horse for a big race. And for three decades, luck was on his side, sparing him from the setbacks that have plagued many other trainers. But this week, that luck ran out when his early Preakness Stakes favorite, Muth, fell ill and had to be scratched from the race after a grueling journey.

Arriving in Baltimore with a weaker hand than usual, Baffert remained hopeful that his other contender, Imagination, would step up and give him a ninth Preakness victory. Despite the setback, Baffert's optimism remained unwavering as he prepared for the race.

The Preakness week has always been a welcome break for Baffert, offering a sense of camaraderie among trainers that is often missing at the Kentucky Derby. This year, the Preakness holds a special significance for Baffert, who remains barred from Churchill Downs due to a medication violation that tarnished his reputation.

While the rift with Churchill Downs remains unresolved, Baffert's focus remains squarely on the task at hand. Imagination, his remaining contender, is a gifted horse but lacks the focus of a champion. Baffert is determined to bring out the best in Imagination, hoping that the horse will rise to the occasion in the absence of Muth.

As he prepares for the race, Baffert remains confident in Imagination's abilities but acknowledges the tough competition they face, particularly from Mystik Dan, the favorite. With veteran jockey Frankie Dettori in the saddle, Baffert is hopeful that Imagination will deliver a standout performance on race day.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Baffert remains determined to make the most of the Preakness, knowing that a victory would be a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication to the sport. And as he waits for the race to unfold, Baffert remains hopeful that Imagination will rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed win.