Kentucky Derby 2026: Baffert's Plutarch is off the trail

Plutarch, who was eighth on the leaderboard for Kentucky Derby 2026, is no longer a contender for the run for the roses.

Trainer Bob Baffert said in a text message that although the Into Mischief colt is out of consideration for the Derby, the Belmont Stakes on June 5 at Saratoga is still a possibility. He did not provide additional information about Plutarch's situation.

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Owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, Plutarch won the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis on Feb. 7 in his 2026 debut and has not returned to the work tab.

He began his career in August with a second-place finish to Intrepido then was runner-up in the Del Mar Juvenile Turf (G3). He then finished third in both the American Pharoah (G1) and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes before breaking his maiden in November.

Bafert has three other horses with Kentucky Derby points, led by Litmus Test with 19. The Nyquist colt won the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) last out and is entered in Sunday's Rebel Stakes (G2). Brant, winner of the Del Mar Futurity (G3) and third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, has nine points, as does Desert Gate, fourth in the Lewis last out and runner-up in the American Pharoah. And Buetane, third in the Southwest (G3) l last out, has seven points.