Recall the moment when Bob Baffert stated, “I am responsible for any substance found in the horses that I train and I have paid a very steep price with a three-year suspension and the disqualification of Medina Spirit’s performance.” Certainly, the prohibition affected the horse racing trainer in numerous ways. What about his reputation? Things deteriorated, leading to a surge of criticism within the community directed at him, highlighting numerous allegations.
Churchill Downs has lifted the ban, as CEO Bill Carstanjen announced, “We are satisfied that Mr. Baffert has taken responsibility for his actions, completed a substantial penalty and is committed to running in full compliance with the rules and regulations going forward.” This signified a pivotal moment for Baffert, as he prepares for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. He has already entered several horses in the races that precede the first leg of the American Triple Crown.
However, one of his horses has received a certain lifeline after a series of disappointing results. Indeed, if you’re curious, I’m referring to the $614k equine Gaming. The three-year-old colt surprised all observers with his victory in the Del Mar Futurity last year, and he maintained his impressive performance with a second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
These two events were classified as Grade 1 races, and there was widespread speculation that he could emerge as the next significant talent in the field. Indeed, those are the two events that contributed to his total of 18 points. Nevertheless, in his subsequent two races, the Los Alamitos Futurity and Southwest Stakes, he delivered a disappointing performance. What is Baffert’s perspective on this matter?
“It’s a mile and an eighth, one turn, we’ll give him one more crack at it. The Oaklawn race was horrendous. He didn’t get anything out of that. He’s come back and worked well. He was stuck in the one-hole in each of his last two starts and had disastrous trips. I just want to get him back on track. We know he’s a good horse,” stated the 72-year-old trainer of equines, according to a report by DRF.
Indeed, the last two outings for Gaming have been quite unfortunate for a horse with such potential. Baffert has openly recognized this, expressing his satisfaction in providing his colt with another opportunity. The race he is discussing is the $500,000 Virginia Derby, scheduled for March 15 at Colonial Downs.
This specific race is set to offer essential points for the Kentucky Derby, making it a key focus for the trainer involved. He possesses several horses, yet this isn’t his inaugural experience in the arena. Baffert anticipates a significant return, with one of his horses at the forefront already encountering competition.
Bob Baffert’s top horse engaging in a competition
Which horse is currently leading Bob Baffert’s charge on the Road to the Kentucky Derby? The official website states that it is Citizen Bull. The colt stands at 60 points, occupying the second position, behind Lonnie Briley’s Coal Battle, which leads with 70 points. Nonetheless, Citizen Bull is struggling to maintain that position, as he is pursued by William Mott’s Sovereignty.
The three-year-old colt has accumulated 60 points, thanks to his wins at the Street Sense Stakes and the Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes. How did Mott respond to his horse’s recent triumph at Gulfstream Park? “It was a great run. He had a good trip. We had a good post inside, saved some ground on the first turn. Fortunately, we didn’t get an outside post and have to be wide on the first turn. He saved some ground, he was able to tip out, and he’s got some acceleration,” remarked the horse trainer.
Nonetheless, Mott has numerous plans in store for Sovereignty. Is he eager to participate in any other races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby? Indeed, emphasizing the point, he remarked, “We got one under our belt and now we get with the team and see where we go. I guess it’s a good thing that we’ve shown that we can run over the track. Naturally, [the Florida Derby] is on the list of things to be considered very strongly.”
The Florida Derby stands out as a significant event in the racing calendar. What is the total number of points along the line? Indeed, it stands at an impressive 100 points. If Sovereignty secures that victory, he will emerge as a strong contender in the Kentucky Derby.
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