kiaran mclaughlin

Kentucky Derby notebook: He’s the Derby contender Bob Baffert claims to fear most, and you could have bought him for $16,000 the week before Christmas. Maximum Security has galloped one of the most unlikely paths to this year’s Derby starting gate.

Kentucky Derby notebook: Trainer Mark Casse has retained his faith in War of Will through a poor final prep performance and a tough draw for Saturday's race. Meanwhile, jockey Mike Smith looks for a ride after Omaha Beach's scratch.

Trainer Bob Baffert, back at Churchill Downs with another solid Kentucky Derby contender in Mor Spirit, knows American Pharoah was a once-in-a-lifetime horse.

Five key storylines heading into the May 7 Kentucky Derby

Questions quickly turned to American Pharoah's future schedule and his potential impact on a struggling sport, but Baffert and owner Ahmed Zayat mostly wanted to soak in the moment after the horse won the 2015 Belmont Stakes and horse racing's Triple Crown.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert nodded in approval as he heard American Pharoah will start from the No. 5 hole when he attempts to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in history in Saturday¿s Belmont Stakes.

Baltimore could be set to host a blockbuster sequel with Kentucky Derby champion American Pharoah and top rivals Firing Line and Dortmund all pointed toward the May 16 Preakness.

Baffert's remarkable duo — the effortlessly swift 5-2 favorite American Pharoah and undefeated 3-1 second choice Dortmund — will start in the No. 18 and No. 8 posts, respectively, as determined by Wednesday evening's post-position draw.