Plutarch gives Baffert eighth straight win in Robert B. Lewis S. (G3)

Plutarch thrust himself squarely into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture with his three-quarter length win over Intrepido in Saturday’s Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

The race was worth 20 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, and upped Plutarch’s total to 23, currently fourth in the standings.

Plutarch had proved himself very versatile prior to Saturday, placing in both the American Pharoah S. (G1) on the main track and the Del Mar Juvenile Turf (G3) on the grass during his 2-year-old season. Back to the dirt for the Lewis, Plutarch and Intrepido, who won the American Pharoah, were part of a three-way duel for the lead.

After five furlongs, Plutarch and Intrepido began to pull clear and turned for home on even terms. Plutarch, on the outside, eventually asserted himself and secured the win in 1:37.02 for the mile on a fast track.

“Plutarch is getting better,” said Baffert after scoring his eighth straight win in the Lewis. “I’m so happy for [owner] Coolmore, who has supported me for all those years. We’ve spent so much time with Plutarch.

“This horse reminds me of [Baffert’s 2020 Derby winner] Authentic. He keeps getting better every week. I don’t think distance will be a problem with him. This is very exciting. He’s legit.”

Plutarch is now 2-2-2 in six starts and has earned $192,000.

Baffert won his first of a record 14 Lewis’ in 1999 with General Challenge. In the three previous runnings, his winners were Citizen Bull, Nysos and Newgate.