Plutarch Wins Robert Lewis Stakes, Baffert's 8th Straight

Plutarch defeated Intrepido by three-quarters of a length in the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Plutarch, ridden by Florent Geroux, won the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, giving Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert his eighth straight victory in the race for 3-year-olds. Plutarch ran one mile in 1:37.02 for his first stakes victory and first win on dirt, moving into a tie for third on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with 23 qualifying points.

Why it matters

The Robert Lewis Stakes is a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby, and Baffert's dominance in the event highlights his status as one of the most successful trainers in horse racing history. Plutarch's win also establishes him as a potential contender for the Kentucky Derby.

The details

Plutarch defeated Intrepido by three-quarters of a length, with Secured Freedom finishing third. Baffert's other entries, Desert Gate and Cherokee Nation, finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Baffert said Plutarch reminds him of Authentic, the 2020 Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic winner, and that he believes the horse will have no problem with the distance.

  • The Robert Lewis Stakes took place on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 2, 2026.

The players

Plutarch

The winner of the Robert Lewis Stakes, a 3-year-old horse.

Bob Baffert

A Hall of Fame horse trainer who has now won the Robert Lewis Stakes eight times in a row and 14 times overall.

Florent Geroux

The jockey who rode Plutarch to victory in the Robert Lewis Stakes.

Intrepido

The horse that finished second in the Robert Lewis Stakes.

Secured Freedom

The horse that finished third in the Robert Lewis Stakes.

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What they’re saying

“I felt he broke very alertly for me and put me in a great spot. When I asked him to move along in the lane, he responded really well. But he waited for the horse on the inside a little bit. As soon as he came by me, my horse gave me another gear.”

— Florent Geroux, Jockey (sfgate.com)

“He keeps getting better every week. I don't think distance will be a problem with him. This is very exciting. He's legit.”

— Bob Baffert, Trainer (sfgate.com)

What’s next

Plutarch's next race will likely be a major Kentucky Derby prep race as he looks to secure a spot in the 20-horse field for the May 2 Kentucky Derby.

The takeaway

Bob Baffert's continued dominance in the Robert Lewis Stakes, a key Kentucky Derby prep race, solidifies his status as one of the greatest trainers in horse racing history. Plutarch's impressive win in the race establishes him as a legitimate contender for the Kentucky Derby, with his versatility and potential for longer distances making him an intriguing prospect.