Bob Baffert meets with the media the morning after War Emblem's Kentucky Derby victory.

After leaving a successful Quarter Horse training career, Baffert saddled his first thoroughbred winner in 1979, but his breakthrough moment came in the 1992 Breeders' Cup when he won the Sprint with Thirty Slews. But it would be four more years before the white-haired wonder hit the big time for good.

In 1996, Baffert made his first trek to the Kentucky Derby where his Cavonnier lost by a nose to Grindstone in as close a finish as any in the Derby's storied history. The only flash in this pan was one of brilliance when he returned to capture the '97 roses with Silver Charm and again in '98 with Real Quiet.

All three of these Baffert trainees figure in the fifth-of-a-second scenario. Silver Charm and Real Quiet were both beaten in the Belmont Stakes -- denied of Triple Crowns -- by three-quarters of a length and a nose respectively. Using the long-accepted standard that a length is a fifth of a second, Baffert's trio came up under a length shy of even greater glories.

By the time you finish reading this sentence, a fifth of a second has passed. It is stunning to the senses as to what the pride of Nogales, Arizona has done since taking the Triple Crown stage. Why, it's of historic proportions.

When War Emblem went wire to wire in the ninth fastest Derby ever run, Baffert tied "Sunny" Jim Fitzsimmons and Max Hirsch for third place in Derby victories with three. War Emblem was Baffert's twelfth Derby starter, giving him three wins; a second and two third-place finishes. Only three of his Derby starters have failed to finish in the top five.

Of all the trainers with double-figure Derby starters, only the great Ben Jones, with the all time record six wins with 11 starters, and Fitzsimmons, with three wins from 11 starters, have a better percentage than Baffert. And only Jones equals Baffert's rapid rise to Derby greatness with three wins in seven years. Jones trained for the powerhouse Calumet Farm while Baffert's wins have all come with different owners.

Baffert has amassed credentials that make him a 1-10 lock for the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, even without those two Triple Crown champions. His accomplishments are mind-boggling. But how will the rest of this year's Triple Crown turn out for Baffert and War Emblem? Who knows? But if the past is any indication, you'd do well to keep your eyes open. One ill-timed blink might keep you from witnessing horse racing history.