Baffert Talks Dortmund, American Pharoah

Bob Baffert, trainer of leading Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) candidates American Pharoah and Dortmund, had the right answer when asked which colt is better.

"That's like asking me which kid I love more," Baffert said without hesitation and has said numerous times previously.

The game plan is to let the theater of the Triple Crown play out on the racetrack.

Dortmund, unbeaten in five starts, is expected to start in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) April 4, while once-beaten champion 2-year-old male of 2014 American Pharoah is aiming for the Arkansas Derby (gr. I) April 11 at Oaklawn Park.

Dortmund, a colt of more than 17 hands, is a chestnut son of 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown   owned by Kaleem Shah. American Pharoah is a bay colt by the Empire Maker stallion Pioneerof the Nile   owned and bred by Ahmed Zayat's Zayat Stables.

Aside from that, the two immensely talented 3-year-olds are at once comparable and disparate in a manner of speaking that Baffert would address.

"Dortmund is tall," Baffert said. "He's got a good mind on him (and) he's a smart horse. He gets a little rambunctious in the paddock, but other than that, he's pretty good.

"They're really two different types of horses, although they're both quick (and) light on their feet. I've seen Dortmund stumble and break a little awkward, but he can get up in the next jump and be right there. He's really quick and very athletic for a big horse. Big horses aren't that way, usually. I've worked him in the mornings. You can stop and go with him.

"Pharoah has a very efficient, kind of effortless stride. He does things really, really easy. I think he can handle any surface, whether it's deep, fast, whatever. He's fast, but he's not a speed-crazy type.

"The reason they find themselves on the lead is because they do it effortlessly. You'd have to really slow them down, get them down to a gallop, to have them stalking a horse. I don't know what would happen if there was some ridiculous speed out there.

"It's something I don't really worry about until the gates open, as long as their riders put them where they're comfortable. I've never seen them rank or run off. I've never seen that."

So the countdown is on. If all goes well, the two will meet in the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May.