Get ready for a thrilling showdown at Santa Anita Park on February 7, 2026, as the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) promises to be a battle of contrasting momentum and strategies. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can anyone stop Bob Baffert’s dominance in this race? Baffert, who has trained the past seven consecutive winners of the Lewis, is back with three formidable contenders. Yet, all eyes are on Intrepido, a colt with a story that’s as compelling as it is challenging. Owned by Michele Arthur’s Dutch Girl Holdings and Ruben Islas’ IrvingVentures, Intrepido is no stranger to high-stakes competition, having won last year’s American Pharoah Stakes (G1) and finishing fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) after a rough start. And this is the part most people miss—his ownership group is off to a stellar 2026, with their other star, Queen Maxima, already securing a graded stakes win this year. Trained by Jeff Mullins and selected by bloodstock agent Mike Pender, Intrepido is more than just a horse; he’s a symbol of trust and talent. As Islas puts it, ‘Mike is a real talent. We really believe in him,’ while Arthur adds, ‘He has the eye of the tiger.’ But will that be enough to dethrone Baffert’s trio? Desert Gate, Plutarch, and Cherokee Nation—all Baffert-trained—are no pushovers. Desert Gate, the 6-5 morning-line favorite, is seeking redemption after a break since the American Pharoah, while Plutarch and Cherokee Nation bring their own unique stories to the track. Here’s the real question: Is Baffert’s stranglehold on the Lewis unbreakable, or will Intrepido and his team rewrite the script? With 20 Kentucky Derby eligibility points on the line for the winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments—this is one race you won’t want to miss!
