Watch: Tiz The Law falls short in Kentucky Derby as Authentic scores for Baffert

This year has been a testing one for Bob Baffert, but he was back doing what he does best at Churchill Downs on Saturday when Authentic proved the real deal by bursting Tiz The Law's bubble in the Kentucky Derby.

The victory means Baffert equalled Ben Jones's record of six triumphs in the race, which is usually the first leg of the US Triple Crown, but took the middle slot this term due to the coronavirus.

The pandemic has not been the only problem Baffert has had to deal with in 2020, which he started by cutting ties with Phoenix Thoroughbreds, whose founder Amer Abdulaziz Salman was named during a money-laundering trial last year.

Baffert, whose 2002 Kentucky Derby ace War Emblem died in March, was forced to retire exciting three-year-old Nadal in May, the same month the now-sidelined Classic hope Charlatan and exciting filly Gamine were winners at Oaklawn Park only to fail post-race drugs tests.

Arrogate, his world champion in 2016 and 2017, died in June before the 67-year-old leapt to the defence of west-coast venue Los Alamitos following equine deaths there, while the California Horse Racing Board recently agreed to proceed with a complaint seeking the disqualification of Justify, Baffert's Triple Crown hero in 2018, from his victory in that year's Santa Anita Derby.

There have, however, been some bright spots, including the emergence of Authentic, who looked a suspect stayer over 1m1f in the Haskell, but coped with another furlong to repel Tiz The Law, successful in the Belmont Stakes, which is normally the last part of the Triple Crown but opened this season's series.

Authentic is now 9-2 (from 16) with Ladbrokes to give Baffert a record-extending fourth triumph in the Breeders' Cup Classic, which the charismatic trainer has the 4-1 favourite for in Maximum Security, who has maintained his high-class form since joining the stable this year.

"Winning this race never gets old. We're all very fortunate and blessed to be in this position," said Baffert, whose mixed campaign was underlined before the Kentucky Derby when longtime assistant Jimmy Sparks broke his arm attempting to saddle Thousand Words, who was withdrawn.

Bob Baffert celebrates his sixth win in the Kentucky Derby, the Run For The RosesCredit: Andy Lyons

"Jimmy, poor guy, is in an ambulance right now and can't enjoy it," added the Hall of Famer.

It was a third success in the race for Authentic's rider John Velazquez and Baffert was generous with his praise.

"I've been fortunate to have great jockeys win races for me before and this was won by John," he went on.

"The way he handled the race was perfect. Authentic is a speed horse and John kept enough for the finish. John has had some rocking-chair wins in the past, but he earned this one, that's for sure."

Kentucky Derby result

Read more:

Stunning Kentucky Oaks win for Sheikh Fahad as Shedaresthedevil shocks big guns

How American Pharoah's owner went from top of the world to brink of bankruptcy (Members' Club)

'It's just a horserace' – Baffert's focus on world crisis after Derby is delayed

Ultimate Daily – our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club