San Vicente Stakes (G2) winner Barnes has captured the spotlight as the individual 10-1 morning-line favorite in the third installment of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, according to a list released by Churchill Downs on Tuesday.

Trained by six-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert and owned by Zedan Racing, Barnes is undefeated in two starts. The colt's dominant victory in the Grade 2 San Vicente firmly established him as a contender for the first Saturday in May.

The Future Wager Pool 3, featuring 39 individual horses, opens at noon Eastern on Friday and closes Sunday at 6 p.m. The overall morning-line favorite remains the “all other 3-year-olds” field entry at 5-2, reflecting the depth of talent in this year’s Derby crop.

Focus on the Lecomte Stakes

This weekend's key Derby prep is the Grade 3, $250,000 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. The race offers 42 Derby points, with 20 points awarded to the winner. Among the 14 entries, four horses listed in Pool 3—Built, Disco Time, Innovator, and Magnitude—will aim to strengthen their Derby credentials.

Last year’s Pool 3 also saw the field entry emerge as the favorite, closing at 2-1. Notably, that group included Mystik Dan, the eventual Derby winner, who had only a maiden victory at the time.

Baffert’s Strong Presence

Despite his suspension from the Kentucky Derby, Bob Baffert has an undeniable influence on this year’s Future Wager. Nine of his trainees are listed in Pool 3, including Barnes. Baffert's ban stems from a 2021 positive medication test for Medina Spirit, who was disqualified after crossing the Derby finish line first.

With Barnes leading his charge, Baffert remains a significant force in shaping this year’s road to the Kentucky Derby.

Key Dates:

Future Wager Pool 3 Open: Noon ET, Friday

Future Wager Pool 3 Close: 6 p.m. ET, Sunday

Lecomte Stakes: Saturday at Fair Grounds

As anticipation builds, all eyes are on Barnes and the evolving field of 3-year-old contenders vying for a spot in horse racing's most coveted event.