Plutarch Triumphs at the Robert Lewis Stakes
At Santa Anita’s popular racecourse, Plutarch emerged triumphant in the prestigious Robert Lewis Stakes held on Saturday, narrowly edging out Intrepido by a margin of three-quarters of a length. This victory marks a significant achievement for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, as it represents his eighth consecutive win in this particular event dedicated to three-year-olds and his 14th win overall in the race’s history.
Jockey’s Insights and Race Highlights
The win was orchestrated by jockey Florent Geroux, who noted that Plutarch made a strong start and positioned himself advantageously.
“He broke very alertly for me and put me in a great spot,”
Geroux remarked. As the race progressed, he urged Plutarch forward, who responded impressively—particularly when a competitor came alongside.
Intrepido secured the second position, while Secured Freedom rounded out the top three finishers. Baffert expressed his excitement about Plutarch’s performance, drawing a parallel between the young horse and his past champion, Authentic, who clinched the 2020 Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“He keeps getting better every week… I don’t think distance will be a problem with him. This is very exciting. He’s legit,”
Baffert stated.
Implications for the Kentucky Derby
In the context of the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Plutarch’s impressive win has propelled him into a tie with Intrepido, both with 23 qualifying points, which are crucial for determining the final roster of 20 horses eligible for the Derby on May 2. Another of Baffert’s contenders, Desert Gate, initially favored at 6-5 odds, finished fourth, with Cherokee Nation placing fifth. Baffert acknowledged the challenges faced by Desert Gate, noting his bad start from the one-hole position which restricted his options during the race.
Career Overview of Plutarch
With this victory, Plutarch now boasts two wins out of six starts in his racing career, amassing over $190,000 in earnings. Notably, he began his career on turf before transitioning to dirt for this significant win.
