Goal Oriented Points to Preakness as Baffert Seeks Record Ninth Win
Pimlico Race Course officials confirmed Thursday that Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert intends to enter undefeated TDN Rising Star Goal Oriented (Not This Time) in the GI Preakness Stakes. Baffert will also saddle GII Wood Memorial Stakes winner Rodriguez (Authentic) in the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Goal Oriented has been perfect in his brief career, debuting at Santa Anita on April 6 with an impressive off-the-pace victory by 3 1/4 lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight. The performance earned him the coveted “Rising Star” designation from Thoroughbred Daily News. The 3-year-old followed that effort with a front-running score in an optional claiming event on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs.
The $425,000 Keeneland September Sale purchase represents a powerful ownership group that includes SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Diane Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan.
This same partnership also campaigns fellow TDN Rising Star Rodriguez, who galloped Thursday morning at Churchill Downs.
Baffert, who currently shares the record of eight Preakness victories, could stand alone in the history books with a win on May 18. The trainer indicated Rodriguez will complete a workout this weekend before shipping to Pimlico on Monday.
Decisions regarding additional Baffert entries for Preakness Week stakes will be finalized after scheduled workouts in the coming days.
