Baffert Eyes Salahudin for Kentucky Jockey Club
The Zedan Racing Stables colt, third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, may make his next start in the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Equestrian
Trainer Bob Baffert is considering entering Salahudin in the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Churchill Downs. The colt, owned by Zedan Racing Stables, finished third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) on Oct. 30 at Keeneland, after winning his first two starts at Ellis Park and the Iroquois Stakes (G3).
Why it matters
Salahudin's performance and a possible Kentucky Jockey Club start shape his path on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, where he earned 10 points in the Iroquois Stakes. The colt's first loss in four starts also leaves his position among this crop of 2-year-olds open to further evaluation.
The $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club is a 1 1/16-mile race, and Salahudin earned 10 points on the 10-5-3-2-1 Derby scale for his Iroquois Stakes win by a half-length. Hughes won the Juvenile by 2 1/4 lengths, improving to 5-for-5, while Salahudin's Juvenile finish was his first loss in four starts.
The players
Bob Baffert
Bob Baffert is a Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer known for multiple Kentucky Derby winners and a long career at the highest levels of American racing.
Zedan Racing Stables
Zedan Racing Stables is a Thoroughbred racing operation that owns Salahudin and campaigns horses in major stakes races across the United States.
The details
Salahudin raced keenly while stalking pace in traffic in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and was bumped twice late in the race. Baffert plans to remove the colt's blinkers ahead of a possible Kentucky Jockey Club start, and the trainer also plans to have horses at Santa Anita Park and Oaklawn Park this winter.
Timeline
Sept. 12: Salahudin won the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Oct. 30: The Breeders' Cup Juvenile was run at Keeneland.
Nov. 1: Salahudin and Hughes shipped back to Churchill Downs.
Nov. 2: Baffert discussed Salahudin on a radio show.
Saturday, Nov. 28: Possible Kentucky Jockey Club start for Salahudin at Churchill Downs.
Season Trajectory
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile serves as the season-ending benchmark for 2-year-old colts, and Salahudin's third-place finish places him behind Hughes in that measure. His path forward depends on whether he runs in the Kentucky Jockey Club and how he performs in the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Salahudin's next start in the Kentucky Jockey Club would add a Road to the Kentucky Derby points opportunity for the colt. Fans tracking the Derby trail can watch whether Baffert removes the blinkers and how the colt performs at Churchill Downs.
The takeaway
Salahudin's Breeders' Cup result shows that a horse can lose ground in a single race even after a strong early season. Watching whether he returns to Churchill Downs will indicate how Baffert intends to develop him for the Derby trail.
What happens next
Salahudin could make his next start in the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Churchill Downs, pending a decision on entry.
Further reading
For more on the sport, see the Equestrian section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blood Horse Interactive.
