Baffert's forces returned to Churchill Downs after being banished with an exciting, photo finish victory in a Wednesday allowance race. Barnes, an Into Mischief colt owned by Baffert loyalist Amr Zedan and named for the trainer's trusted traveling assistant, wore down pacesetting Innovator in the final sixteenth to win by a nose.

Lest anyone think the seventh race at Churchill Downs Nov. 27 was just a routine maiden race, one only needed to glance in the paddock for those in attendance. Track executives were back to welcome trainer Bob Baffert after a three-year suspension.

Bob Baffert has returned to Churchill Downs for the first time in 3 1/2 years. He saddled the winner of the seventh race at the home of the Kentucky Derby.

"To be back here, it's just enjoyable; I have great memories here at Churchill Downs, it's a historic racetrack and it just, it's a great day."

Trainer Bob Baffert, back at Churchill Downs for the first time since the end of his suspension by CDI, saddled the winner in the seventh race Wednesday.

The 2-year-old Into Mischief colt marked Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's first starter beneath the Twin Spires since the end of his three-year suspension by Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2021.