In a very impressive win by the Bob Baffert Trained BARNES, got up to win the $200,000 San Vicente Stakes. Barnes is a beautifully bred colt by Into Mischief out of All American Dream (American Pharoah), shot to victory by 5 1/2 lengths over his stable mate Romanesque also nicely bred out of Practical Joke. By going 1-2 for Baffert these colts have put themselves on a possible trail towards the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May.
BARNES races down the stretch to capture the San Vicente Crown. – CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson
Barnes was ridden to victory by Jockey Juan Hernandez and for owner Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. Barnes has now improved his record 2 for 2. He was a $3.2-million-dollar purchase.
This marks Barnes first attempt in stakes company. He broke well and was sent with McKinzie Street for Tim Yakteen. The two dueled on the lead the first half mile, and by the time they got to the turn at the top of the stretch Barnes displayed another gear and just got away and ran beautifully into the stretch. Romanesque finished up in second with Bullard for Michael Mccarthy third.
The final time for the 7-furlong race was 1:22.15.
In a brief conversation with Asst. trainer Jimmy Barnes for whom the horse is named there is a possibility that Barnes may and being looked into as a possible bid to run in the Rebel at Oaklawn.
BARNES makes his way to the paddock. – CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson
If things hold true to form has Barnes now made enough of an impression to start putting him in the conversation to give him that early favoritism for the Kentucky Derby? Or is there another waiting in the wings. But by what was seen he for certain should be in the conversation still a way to go before that first Saturday in May as one knows a lot can happen over the next several months. But for now, Barnes has impressed enough from what I have seen and could be there be more to come? and at this point he is well on his way.
BARNES warms up before the San Vicente Stakes. – CREDIT: Nancy Wilkinson
