These are Baffert's 3 best 2-year-olds from the Del Mar meet

During the recently completed Del Mar meet, trainer Bob Baffert debuted 2-year-olds who threw oddly mediocre races. Nevertheless, he still holds a couple of aces in his barn who could contend in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita and beyond.

Three talented Baffert-trained 2-year-olds in particular who competed at Del Mar stand out as possible Breeders’ Cup Juvenile contenders and runners to watch on the Kentucky Derby trail over the winter and spring.

Here is a list of those colts and a description of why each of them has shown talent. 

Heartland

Perhaps times are changing. Most of the time, Baffert’s top stars typically set the pace or show tactical speed. Heartland did not follow this trend.

The son of Justify ran as a closer in his career debut on July 29 at Del Mar, and he looks like Baffert’s most talented 2-year-old based on this run.

Heartland came from fifth and 5 1/2 lengths behind in a six-horse field to mow down a John Sadler-trained colt named Slider in the stretch.

Heartland won by two lengths over Slider. In Slider's next start, he broke his maiden on Sept. 9 by three lengths at Del Mar.

Even though he won, Heartland gave the impression of a green and awkward colt who requires more training to reach the highest level. As Heartland caught up with the two horses in front of him on the turn, he began to climb a bit. Then in the stretch, Juan Hernandez visibly went to work on him to sustain the move. He is still figuring it out. 

With that said, the raw talent is there. If Heartland can put himself together, he will become the best 2-year-old or upcoming 3-year-old in Baffert's barn. As a half-brother to 2017 Preakness Stakes runner-up Classic Empire, the pedigree is there for Heartland to become a colt who excels in the Triple Crown series. 

A recent disruption in Heartland’s workout tab is one concern. If the issue is minor, he can still make a final Breeders’ Cup Juvenile prep race. But if the Breeders' Cup is coming up too soon, Heartland likely will make noise later on the Derby trail.

Prince of Monaco

If Prince of Monaco makes the Breeders’ Cup, he will be challenging for handicappers because of his regression in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity.

When Prince of Monaco took the Best Pal Stakes (G3) last month, he drew clear of his stablemate Muth to win impressively by 4 1/4 lengths while earning a huge, for a 2-year-old in August, 103 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form.

Prince of Monaco then went backward in the Del Mar Futurity a few days ago when he struggled in the stretch run to put away his stablemate Mirahmadi, who is still a maiden after four career starts.

Prince of Monaco prevailed under urging, but the effort felt underwhelming.

The final speed figures for the Del Mar Futurity back up the idea that Prince of Monaco regressed from his Best Pal effort. He earned only an 87 Beyer Speed Figure this time, with some observers claiming he appeared sore.

Considering Prince of Monaco dusted a good colt in Muth just one month ago with a 103 Beyer, he obviously possesses talent when he is healthy. But that is the question handicappers must consider if he does start in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Will he give the best version of himself? 

Before the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, bettors will need to pay attention to how Prince of Monaco looks in his workouts leading up to the race and to the post parade, which sometimes gives last-minute clues. 

Prince of Monaco could re-blossom at a later time on the Derby trail as well. If the colt is not ready in November, Baffert probably will not push him to go considering his bright future if he remains healthy. 

In any case, Prince of Monaco remains undefeated in three starts with stakes wins in the Best Pal Stakes and Del Mar Futurity. Based on his win-loss record, graded-stakes wins and top speed figure, he still merits respect.

Muth

Even though Muth was not able to keep up with Prince of Monaco past midstretch in the Best Pal, he deserves another chance moving forward.

In June, Muth broke his maiden at Santa Anita by an impressive 8 3/4 lengths in a five-furlong sprint after securing an uncontested lead and maintaining it early. Given the short amount of time to separate from the field in a short sprint, opening up by eight lengths is a notable feat. 

Muth earned a 90 Beyer Speed Figure for his career debut romp, which is a great number for a 2-year-old making his first start in a June race.

In his next race, Muth lost to Prince of Monaco in the Best Pal after pressing the early leader Tranche and leading briefly. He still finished 4 1/2 lengths ahead of Raging Torrent, who previously broke his maiden at first asking for trainer Doug O’Neill and later was fourth in the Del Mar Futurity. Prince of Monaco just ran too well. 

With only two starts behind him, Muth can improve and blossom in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile or later on the Derby trail. With two recent works, the signs point to him being healthy enough to attempt a race such as the American Pharoah Stakes (G1). Expect a good effort.