Baffert Horses Likely To Be Sidelined For Kentucky Derby

The odds of a Bob Baffert-trained horse winning the Triple Crown reportedly took a significant hit this week when the owners of several talented colts missed a key deadline.

The owners failed to transfer the horses from Baffert’s barn by Monday’s deadline, according to the Los Angeles Times, a move required by Churchill Downs for entry into the Kentucky Derby. Baffert nominated 18 horses for the Triple Crown, the L.A. Times reported, including two potential Derby favorites in Muth and Nysos.

Baffert, a six-time Derby winner, remains suspended by the track in connection with Medina Spirit’s 2021 positive test for an anti-inflammatory steroid. If the suspension remains in place for the first leg of the Triple Crown, Muth will be sidelined for the 150 rendition of the Run for the Roses.

No transfers this year

Owners of Baffert-trained horses had until Monday to transfer their horses to the barn of another trainer. Churchill Downs enforced the same policy for horses trained by Baffert over the last two years. This year, however, the track moved the deadline up by 30 days ahead of several major Derby preps.

Over the last two years, Baffert has transferred his horses to Tim Yakteen, a longtime horseman who formerly served as Baffert’s assistant trainer. Two years ago, Taiba finished 12th in the Kentucky Derby, before placing third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Last year, Yakteen saddled Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move and Reincarnate, who finished 13th. Practical Move, the co-fourth choice on the morning line, scratched the week of the Derby with an elevated fever.

Last week, Baffert announced plans to drop all litigation against Churchill Downs Inc. related to the positive test. Days after Medina Spirit’s victory in the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone, a Class C drug that is allowed for therapeutic use in thoroughbred horses. While betamethasone is a legal medication in Kentucky, it requires a 14-day withdrawal period before the day of a race.

Baffert disputed the results of the post-Derby test, which contained 21 pg/mL of the steroid, a small level that is commonly viewed as a trace amount. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) stripped Medina Spirit of his first-place finish in Feb. 2022. Last July, Churchill Downs extended a two-year suspension against Baffert through 2024.

“A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct,” CDI said in a statement. “Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status.”

Baffert’s decision to abandon litigation against Churchill has been viewed by some as an attempt to thaw an icy relationship with the track. Still, Baffert and the owners decided against transferring the horses in time for Tuesday’s deadline.

“Nobody is going to transfer their horses,” Baffert told the LAT. “I just remain focused on training my horses and competing in the big races.”

On to the Preakness

Earlier this month, Nysos remained in the upper tier of Derby favorites despite an extended layoff. In his last start, Nysos romped in November’s Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar, defeating a short field by more than eight lengths. Nysos a 3-year old son of Nyquist, has recorded triple-digit Equibase figures in each of his two lifetime starts. Nysos is expected to return in Saturday’s Grade 3 Bob B. Lewis Stakes.

Muth, his stablemate, won his first start of the season with a three-length victory in the Grade 2 San Vincente Stakes on Jan. 6. A son of Good Magic, Muth stalked a swift pace and overtook Pilot Commander in the early stretch. Eventually, Javier Hernandez drew away for a decisive victory. Muth’s Derby odds at Caesars plunged from 40/1 to 12/1.

Owners of the Baffert pair will likely shift their focus to The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown. The Preakness will be held on May 18, three weeks before The Belmont Stakes. The Belmont will be at Saratoga Racecourse this year as Belmont Park undergoes comprehensive renovations.

Last week, Fierceness (8/1) led all entries as the favorite for Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby future wagering pool. Fierceness, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion, is expected to make his 3-year old debut in Saturday’s Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Fierceness also headed the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s (NTRA’s) first poll of top 3-year olds for 2024. Baffert placed two horses in the Top 10, with Muth ranked second, followed by Nysos in sixth. A litany of the top horse betting apps, including: FanDuel Racing, DK Horse, BetMGM, and Caesars will offer odds on this year’s Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious race in the world for 3-year olds.

Previously, Baffert had three others under 100/1 on the futures’ board at Circa — Prince of Monaco, Pilot Commander, and Coach Prime. Baffert has notched 13 career Triple Crown wins, including seven in The Preakness.