Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials Thursday of his intention to enter undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), as well as GII Wood Memorial Stakes hero Rodriguez (Authentic) in the GI Preakness Stakes.
Goal Oriented debuted at Santa Anita Apr. 6 with an off-the-pace 3 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight event, which earned him a 'Rising Star' badge. The 3-year-old cleared an optional claimer in front-running fashion on the Derby undercard.
A $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Goal Oriented is owned by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC's, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Diane Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, who also campaign 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez.
The Wood winner galloped at Churchill Downs Thursday morning. Baffert, who is seeking to break his own record of eight Preakness victories, has said Rodriguez will work this weekend and ship to Pimlico Monday. The Hall of Fame trainer said decisions on other horses he might bring for Preakness Week stakes will be made after those horses work.
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