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Veteran horse trainer Bob Baffert is once again at Del Mar, with his sights set on extending his record of training titles. Having been absent for the initial weekend, a rare occurrence, Baffert's stable nonetheless marked an early victory with Holmby, a promising two-year-old filly who triumphed in a maiden special weight race on July 18. This early success signals Baffert's readiness to defend his consecutive training championships, a testament to his enduring influence in the sport.

Baffert's presence at Del Mar signals his intention to uphold his remarkable legacy. He previously secured back-to-back training titles in 2024 and 2025, accumulating 23 and 24 wins respectively, and boasts a total of ten Del Mar training championships, including an impressive seven-year streak from 1997 to 2003. His overall record at Del Mar is unmatched, with 688 wins and 190 stakes victories. A significant portion of his recent successes can be attributed to his two-year-old entries, and he expresses confidence in the potential of this year's young talent.

Preparing young horses for competition is a key aspect of Baffert’s strategy. He emphasizes the importance of getting two-year-olds acclimated to racing at Del Mar, noting that while some are being trained in Kentucky, the majority are based in California. His goal is to provide these promising juveniles with race experience by the end of the meet, with plans to relocate those who don't get sufficient opportunities back to Kentucky. This proactive approach ensures his young horses are well-prepared for future challenges.

A glimpse into Baffert’s strong juvenile contingent was evident on July 25, when his two-year-olds, Domus and Nayar, claimed the top two spots in a maiden special weight event. Given the considerable size of his stable, it is not uncommon for Baffert to have his own horses competing against each other. He also highlighted the unique environment of California racing, describing it as an "island" where finding suitable dirt races has become increasingly difficult, a trend he attributes to a growing preference for turf racing among owners and the Cal-bred program.

Looking ahead, Baffert aims to steer his top juveniles toward the Breeders’ Cup, with significant preparatory races being the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on September 5 and the Del Mar Futurity (G1) on September 6. Baffert’s track record in these races is exceptional, having won the Debutante 12 times and the Futurity 19 times, underscoring his expertise in developing young champions for elite competition.

Adding to the excitement, Baffert recently announced that Nysos, a prominent son of Nyquist and victor of the Met Mile (G1), is being pointed toward next month's Pacific Classic (G1). Nysos has been training impressively at Del Mar, clocking a four-furlong workout in 47.6 seconds on July 25. Baffert expressed his confidence in Nysos's condition and his commitment to supporting Del Mar by fielding his top contenders in major races, with the $1 million Pacific Classic scheduled for August 22.

Beyond Nysos, Baffert has other notable horses at Del Mar, including Nevada Beach, the winner of last fall's Native Diver (G3). Nevada Beach has been undergoing rigorous training, with his latest workout on Friday seeing him complete five furlongs in 1:00.6. Additionally, Imagination and Desert Gate arrived a week prior, with Imagination having placed second in last year's Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Desert Gate winning the 2025 Best Pal (G3) before securing second in the Futurity, all demonstrating the breadth of talent within Baffert’s formidable stable.

Bob Baffert’s return to Del Mar signifies another chapter in his illustrious career, as he meticulously prepares his horses for a season aimed at maintaining his unparalleled dominance. His strategic placement of both seasoned campaigners and promising juveniles, coupled with his deep understanding of the racing landscape, sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season for the Hall of Fame trainer and his team.