Derby Dozen: Mor Spirit the best of Baffert’s contenders so far

Part of the hangover from American Pharoah’s Triple Crown heroics was that everyone would be extra focused on what classic hopefuls trainer Bob Baffert had on tap for 2016.

The Hall of Fame conditioner has dutifully answered with a handful of promising contenders, the best of which thus far is Grade I winner Mor Spirit.

The dark bay ridgling is a particularly good-looking son of Eskendereya, boasting a lengthy stride that seems tailor-fit for a route of ground. After running second in the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Mor Spirit came from off the pace to win the Grade I Los Alamitos Futurity in December and showed more progression in winning the Grade III Robert B. Lewis in his season debut on Feb. 6.

Both Baffert and jockey Gary Stevens say Mor Spirit needs a target in order to do his best running. He is not a one-paced closer, however, and has enough tactical speed to sit closer to early fractions if needed.

“He’s a big, strong horse so these races will help him,” Baffert said. “I feel like I have a really top 3-year-old, so now we just have to keep him healthy.”

Owner: Michael Lund Petersen

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Breeder: Elkstone Group, LLC

Bloodline: Dark bay ridgling by Eskendereya-Im a Dixie Girl, by Dixie Union

Career record: Five starts, 3-2-0, $378,400

Last start: Won Grade III Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita Park on Feb. 6

Next start: Possible for Grade II San Felipe at Santa Anita Park on March 12

Potential trouble: Timing his run is key since he digs in much more with a target in front of him.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 10:13 PM with the headline "Derby Dozen: Mor Spirit the best of Baffert’s contenders so far."