It’s a familiar thrill of the chase: a horse worth a fortune, trained by a legend, dreaming of the Kentucky Derby. While Saratoga Springs might be enjoying its own summer racing schedule, the story unfolding in California speaks volumes about the high-stakes world of top-tier horse racing.
Bob Baffert, the renowned Hall of Fame trainer whose hands guided two future Triple Crown winners—American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018—knows exactly what he’s looking for. His office walls are adorned with reminders of those historic victories. And this spring, he spotted something exceptional not just in a horse’s physical build, but in his presence.
The colt, soon to be named Zedan, didn’t need to gallop for Baffert to know he was special. His confident, “badass” demeanor was the clincher. This unique combination of pedigree (from the brilliant Flightline and Into Mischief) and perceived potential led to a record-breaking purchase. Zedan was sold for $10.5 million, making him one of the most expensive 2-year-olds in history, with a future that now includes the Kentucky Derby prep season. The excitement is palpable as the thoroughbred world watches this star unfold.