In an impressive display of dominance, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s horses finished 1-2 in the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Saturday. The highly-touted colt Barnes emerged victorious by 5½ lengths over his stablemate Romanesque, establishing himself as a top Kentucky Derby hopeful in 2025.
Barnes Shines in Dominant Performance
Ridden masterfully by jockey Juan Hernandez, Barnes completed the seven-furlong race in a swift 1:22.15, paying $4, $2.80 and $2.10 as the slight even-money favorite. The 3-year-old colt, purchased for a hefty $3.2 million as a 2-year-old by owner Amr Zedan, improved his record to a perfect 2-0.
He had to really stretch to get this horse. When you have clientele like that, it is everything.
— Bob Baffert on owner Amr Zedan
Baffert’s One-Two Punch
Romanesque, also conditioned by the legendary Baffert, finished a clear second and paid $5.20 and $2.40. Bullard rounded out the trifecta, another half-length back in third, and returned $2.10 to show. The San Vicente Stakes featured a talented field of sophomores with Kentucky Derby aspirations.
A Star on the Rise
Making just his second career start and stakes debut, Barnes dueled early with McKinzie Street through swift opening fractions. He spurted clear midway around the far turn and drew off impressively in the stretch to complete the authoritative victory. Jockey Juan Hernandez came away highly impressed:
He’s really good. I love him. He was aggressive down the backside but he’s still learning how to run…I was really surprised how he finished today.
— Juan Hernandez, jockey of Barnes
Echoes of a Champion
Trainer Bob Baffert couldn’t help but notice similarities between his rising star Barnes and his 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah at this early stage of development. Barnes is named in honor of Baffert’s longtime assistant Jimmy Barnes, who was both surprised and honored by the gesture.
They surprised me and I was honored. I was a little nervous, but it is working out well so far.
— Jimmy Barnes, Bob Baffert’s assistant
The Road Ahead
With this impressive win in the San Vicente, Barnes has stamped himself as one of the most exciting 3-year-olds to follow on the 2025 Kentucky Derby trail. Baffert and Zedan undoubtedly have their sights set on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, as they chase yet another victory in America’s most famous horse race.
As the Triple Crown season approaches, all eyes will be on Barnes to see if he can deliver on the immense promise he has shown in his brief but spectacular career thus far. With Bob Baffert’s unparalleled expertise guiding him, this extraordinary equine athlete appears poised for superstardom.
