Baffert sweeps 2019 Kentucky Derby Media Poll’s top spots

On May 4, Baffert will look to tie “Plain Ben” Jones’ all-time record of six Derby victories. A number of voters from racing industry trade publications and general news outlets are considering it a forgone conclusion.

“Baffert, already a five-time winner, could have the strongest contingent of Derby contenders he's ever had in one year,” said the Southern California News Group’s Art Wilson.

“Well, I'm sure of one thing after the weekend: Bob Baffert is likely to win the Kentucky Derby again,” added SportsLine’s Jody Demling. “Just not sure which of the three it will be.”

A trio of final major preps shook up the Top 20 beyond the Baffert brigade.

Omaha Beach, another Arkansas Derby contender, and the Wood Memorial (G2) winner Tacitus rounded out this week’s Top 5. Major movers included Blue Grass Stakes (G2) hero Vekoma advancing 11 spots to sixth; the runner-up Win Win Win rising from unranked to 10th; and Tax, second in the Wood, climbing from 20th to 12th.

“With less than four weeks remaining until the first Saturday in May, this is one of the most competitive Derby fields to date,” said Churchill Downs’ Kevin Kerstein. “There have been 39 different winners on the Road to the Kentucky Derby through 43 races.”

Because of that, points are paramount, and it may take a record number to get in the field. Voters continue to back Anothertwistafate (17th), Bourbon War (18th) and Signalman (19th) as those colts live on the points bubble.

“Some good horses will be left on the outside looking in,” said Racing Dudes’ Mike Spector.

Meanwhile, Florida Derby (G1) runner-up Bodexpress, UAE Derby (G2) second Gray Magician and Master Fencer, Japan’s qualifier, are all in the Derby field on points -- but remain just outside the Derby Media Poll’s Top 20.

Given the Derby trail parity, “The post draw may play a critical role in deciding the outcome of this year's Derby,” said the Thoroughbred Daily News’ Ben Massam. “Off a series of wide trips, Game Winner is due for further improvement if he can save any kind of ground at Churchill.”

Churchill Downs’ Darren Rogers also mentioned that beyond Baffert’s chase for the wins mark, there's another bit of Derby history possible.

“Notwithstanding the results of Saturday's Arkansas Derby,” Rogers said, “Lookin At Lucky's 2010 record as the highest-priced Kentucky Derby favorite (6.30-1) could be in jeopardy. Tremendous betting opportunities loom in less than four weeks.”