Owners Weigh Epsom Move for Baffert-Trained Greenwich Village, Could End 33-Year Absence

Owners are weighing a transatlantic pivot for Greenwich Village, the Bob Baffert-trained colt that has been under consideration for the Kentucky Derby, with a potential alternative entry in the Epsom Derby that would mark the first U.S.-trained starter at Epsom in 33 years. The ownership group has not finalized the decision and says it will be guided by Baffert's advice.

Bob Baffert remains the central voice in the deliberation, and owners expect his assessment of Greenwich Village's readiness and suitability to determine whether the horse targets the Kentucky Derby or ships to Epsom. That choice will reshape the 3-year-old's campaign planning, travel logistics, and training schedule depending on Baffert's recommendation.

The possible redirect to the Epsom Derby signals clear international ambitions for Greenwich Village and his connections. Choosing Epsom over the Kentucky Derby would represent a deliberate break from the familiar U.S. Triple Crown trail and would return an American-trained contender to Epsom after a three-decade-plus absence, a historical gap of 33 years noted by the owners.

Practical consequences hinge on timing: an entry in the Epsom Derby would require different nomination and preparation compared with staying on the Kentucky Derby path. Owners say they will rely on Baffert's evaluation to align Greenwich Village's preparatory races and travel plans, with the trainer's counsel determining whether to commit to an overseas campaign.

Those close to the decision emphasize that this is an owners' call implemented through Baffert's training plan, not a unilateral move by the trainer. If owners elect Epsom, Greenwich Village's European campaign would revive a rare U.S.-to-U.K. campaign strategy and test the connections' international ambitions against a 33-year pattern of absence.

A final announcement on Greenwich Village's target race will come after owners receive Baffert's advice and settle logistics. That choice will set the competitive calendar for Greenwich Village and determine whether American-trained horses return to Epsom for the first time in 33 years.