Baffert's Young Stars Set to Shine at Del Mar's Prestigious Races
Bob Baffert, a legendary figure in horse racing, is once again poised to dominate the prestigious juvenile races at Del Mar. This weekend, his stable will send out two colts and two fillies to compete in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity and Del Mar Debutante, races he has historically conquered with unparalleled success. Despite their relative inexperience, these young horses have already shown flashes of brilliance, and Baffert is optimistic about their prospects.
Del Mar's Crown Jewels: Baffert Unleashes Promising Juveniles
In a highly anticipated racing weekend at Del Mar on September 3, 2026, the legendary trainer Bob Baffert is set to make his mark with four promising two-year-olds. Baffert, known for his extraordinary record in juvenile stakes races, will be fielding two contenders in each of the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity and Del Mar Debutante, both contested over seven furlongs.
For the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on Sunday, Baffert is entering Hughes and Domus. Hughes, a Grade 3 winner named after U.S. hockey gold medalist Jack Hughes, has been nothing short of dominant in his two career starts, winning by a combined 13 3/4 lengths. His impressive six-length debut victory at Los Alamitos on June 21 was followed by a 7 3/4-length triumph in the Best Pal (G3) on August 8 at Del Mar. Domus, an offspring of Uncle Mo, also impressed in his debut on July 25 at Del Mar, leading from start to finish. Both colts earned an identical Beyer Speed Figure of 83, and Baffert notes their shared characteristic of being 'green' despite their early successes, indicating potential for further growth. Juan Hernández will ride Hughes, while Antonio Fresu will be aboard Domus, as they face three rivals, Phone Booth, High Pronto and Dang Son, all trained by Doug O’Neill.
On Saturday, the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante will feature Baffert’s fillies, Miss Monica and Holmby. Miss Monica, a daughter of Early Voting, commanded attention with an $850,000 purchase price at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales auction in April. Her 6 1/2-furlong debut win at Del Mar on August 9 was a formidable performance, earning an 87 Beyer Speed Figure. Baffert described her as a 'bigger filly' with the potential for longer distances. Holmby, an Indiana-bred by Corniche (a former Baffert-trained champion), was a $55,000 acquisition at the July 2025 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky select yearling sale. She has shown remarkable heart and speed, winning her five-furlong debut on July 18 and narrowly clinching the six-furlong Sorrento (G3) on August 9. Hernández will also pilot Miss Monica from post 9, with Ricardo González guiding Holmby from post 8. Baffert mentioned that Holmby's recent six-furlong workout in 1:11.8 has her primed for the Grade 1 challenge.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated debut of the $10.5 million colt Zedan, bought by Amr Zedan, remains on hold. Baffert is in no rush to bring the Flightline colt to the track, preferring to wait until Kentucky's intense summer heat subsides, emphasizing a cautious approach to his development. The forecast for Del Mar this weekend includes a 20% chance of showers, which Baffert hopes will not materialize, as 'rain is not good here'.
Baffert's consistent success at Del Mar, with 19 Futurity wins and 12 Debutante victories, underscores his masterful approach to developing juvenile talent. His ability to identify and nurture future champions, such as Silver Charm and American Pharoah, solidifies his legacy in the sport.
Baffert's strategic entry of these four promising juveniles into the Del Mar Futurity and Debutante races highlights his unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent in thoroughbred racing. His patient approach with the highly-valued Zedan colt further exemplifies his dedication to the horses' well-being and long-term success, rather than immediate gratification. As the racing world watches, Baffert's ability to consistently develop these equine athletes into champions serves as a testament to his expertise and deep understanding of the sport.