Litmus Test Claims Bob Baffert’s 15th Los Alamitos Futurity Win

URGENT UPDATE: Litmus Test has just triumphed in the $200,000 Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity, marking trainer Bob Baffert‘s 15th victory in this prestigious race. This thrilling event unfolded on December 9, 2023, in Cypress, California, capturing the attention of racing fans everywhere.

In a decisive performance, Litmus Test secured a 1-1/4-length victory over a field of six with jockey Juan Hernandez at the reins. This win comes after a strong showing in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where Litmus Test finished fourth behind the formidable Ted Noffey.

Baffert, celebrating another milestone, stated in the winner’s circle, “He’s getting better. He ran better today than he did in the Breeders’ Cup.” The son of Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist clocked a swift 1:42.38 for the 1-1/16 miles, a time that outpaced the average for this event.

Litmus Test’s victory is significant not just for Baffert, but also for the owners SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, who purchased the promising colt for $875,000 as a yearling. Baffert reflected on the potential of young horses, recalling that it took his first winner, Real Quiet, six races to secure a victory.

With this latest win, Litmus Test is poised to gain traction in future racing events, notably the upcoming San Vicente Stakes on January 10, 2024, and the Santa Anita Derby in April. His performance today has undoubtedly solidified his status among the top contenders for the May 2, 2026 Kentucky Derby.

While Blacksmith finished second, maintaining his status as a maiden, Provenance, who led early, was vanned off after losing a shoe. Baffert praised Blacksmith, stating, “He’s figuring it out. He ran a big race.”

As the Los Alamitos meet draws to a close, Baffert and fellow trainer John Sadler remain neck-and-neck in the standings, both with four wins. Jockey Armando Ayuso leads the pack with six wins, closely followed by Hernandez.

This latest achievement by Baffert and Litmus Test is not just a testament to their talent but also a thrilling moment for horse racing fans worldwide. As excitement builds for the upcoming Derby season, all eyes will be on this rising star.

Stay tuned for more updates on Litmus Test’s journey and the latest developments in horse racing.