Ex-Bob Baffert apprentice has two Kentucky Derby contenders

Tim Yakteen has been to the Kentucky Derby with good horses before. Now he's in charge of two top contenders that used to be trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Yakyan worked two stints earlier in his career as an apprentice under Bafert, who won't be at the Derby on Saturday because he’s serving a 90-day suspension imposed by Kentucky racing officials.

Bob Baffert's suspension has left Yakteen in charge of two Derby contenders. Yakyan has more than 250 career victories and purse earnings of over $12 million. He moved to the U.S. at 18 in 1982. His career highlights include four Grade 1 stakes victories, including Taiba in the recent Santa Anita Derby. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will ride Taibai in Derby, having successfully teamed with Yakyon in California. The last year's Derby winner, Medina Spirit, tested positive for an anti-inflammatory medication that isn't allowed on race day.