Bob Baffert, the once persona non grata at Churchill Downs, achieved a narrow victory with his debuting colt. The $3.2 million colt named for his assistant, Barnes, showed great potential despite some initial confusion. In a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race, Barnes managed to reel in the rail-running Innovator by a head, adding another layer to the story.

Baffert's Return and Churchill Downs Triumph

Initial Challenges and Greenness

Barnes, who cost Amr Zedan $3.2 million 15 months ago, looked inexperienced as he tried to figure out how to respond to jockey Martín García's urging. Breaking from post 3 in a field of 10, García had to muscle Barnes into position on the backstretch. Innovator, making his fifth start, carried Luis Sáez through brisk early fractions. Turning for home, Barnes tipped outside, not knowing which lead to take. Even as García tried alternating his crop hand, Innovator was digging in. But Barnes made up 1 1/2 lengths in the final furlong to get the narrow victory. The winning time on the fast track was 1:02.97.

A week ago, Baffert said he would have preferred Barnes to make his debut at six furlongs. Now it's clear that the distance was not an issue as Barnes showed his ability to handle the 5 1/2-furlong race.

The usual question about what's next arose. Baffert raised it himself and shut it down in terms of specifics. He has a deep roster including Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull and will have to split them up. He also didn't rule out shipping Barnes outside his Southern California home base for Derby preps next year.

The Naming and Symbolism

The colt was just an unfilled blank until last month. Baffert got a list of newly available names from The Jockey Club and chose "Barnes" for his assistant. The way he let Barnes know of the naming was like a gender-reveal party. He ordered a halter with the name Barnes on it and when Barnes saw it, he was honored.

The handshake between Baffert and Churchill Downs boss Bill Carstanjen after the race was brief but significant. They had a cordial conversation before the race. Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas also watched the race together, reminiscent of their 1996 Kentucky Derby experience.

After the race, Churchill Downs TV analyst Kaitlin Free interviewed Baffert. As the Bachman-Turner Overdrive song "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" was played, Baffert expressed his great memories of Churchill Downs and hopes to add a seventh one in the Derby next May.