Racing ran the gamut of emotions at Pimlico on Saturday, from tragedy to triumph to the scratch of one of the favorites, and finally to the end, at least for now, of the feel-good story of Mage and his quest for the Triple Crown. But most of all it was about the latest chapter in the polarizing career of Bob Baffert. ~ Steve Haskin
Baffert’s Bounce Back on Preakness Day
By Steve Haskin
Photo by Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports
Early on Preakness day Bob Baffert and his family had to endure the anguish and grief of seeing their star 3-year-old Havnameltdown suffer a fatal injury in the Chick Lang Stakes and watch his rider Luis Saez being put in an ambulance on a stretcher. This was a horse co-owned by his longtime owner and friend Mike Pegram, who talked Baffert into going into Thoroughbred racing from the world of Quarter-horses.
Thoughts of the Preakness Stakes later that afternoon, in which Baffert was running National Treasure, faded rapidly and their main concern was consoling their staff, who had seen Havnameltdown run his heart out in defeat in the Saudi Derby halfway around the world several months earlier.
But those who have known Baffert since his meteoric rise in the late 1990s are well aware that he is most dangerous following the lowest of times. That is when he manages to climb out of the abyss and turn misfortune into success. That misfortune could range from equine injuries, drug positives and suspensions to crushing defeats on the racetrack. But now he had to deal with a fatality at a time when racing was under intense microscopic scrutiny following the tragedies that plagued Churchill Downs during Derby week.
As someone who has been close to Baffert since his early days in Thoroughbred racing and having written his autobiography, I was fully convinced that he would somehow find a way to wipe away the tears and once again turn adversity into triumph.
After all, the script for the 2023 Preakness Stakes looked as if it had been already written. Yes, there was the Cinderella story of Kentucky Derby winner Mage, but Baffert’s career was far removed from fairy tales after writing his own years ago, coming from the small border town of Nogales, Arizona to attain unimaginable success in Thoroughbred racing, especially in the classics.
Now here he was running in the Preakness two weeks after the conclusion of his unprecedented two-year ban by Churchill Downs, in which he had to turn his potential Kentucky Derby horses over to other trainers, mainly his former assistant Tim Yakteen, in order to allow them to run in the Derby. One can only imagine what Baffert, who lives for developing Derby horses, felt seeing those horses leave his barn the past two years. Although National Treasure was one of those horses this year he was returned to Baffert following a fourth-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby, eliminating him from Kentucky Derby consideration.
As it turned out the Preakness came up with only eight horses, none of whom had the natural speed of National Treasure, who was talented, but late-maturing. Now back in Baffert’s barn, he was getting blinkers on and wound up drawing post 1 with John Velazquez, who had already stolen two Kentucky Derbys on the front end for Baffert with Authentic and Medina Spirit. Then, First Mission, the only horse with the tactical speed to pressure National Treasure, was scratched the day before the race. Here we go again, I thought, with another Baffert horse loose on the lead with no one to prevent him from slowing the pace down to a crawl.
But on this occasion, Baffert and his wife Jill had to temporarily erase the horrific images from early in the day and all the tears that were shed before focusing their attention on winning the Preakness.
I had witnessed most of Baffert’s roller coaster rides over the past 27 years and I knew that he and Jill would wipe away those tears and turn their thoughts to National Treasure as they headed to the paddock. I also knew from experience how resilient Baffert has always been and how he somehow always finds the proverbial light at the end of tunnel. In other words, National Treasure in my mind was already on his way to the winner’s circle, Mage or no Mage. After all, the script was clearly written and there for all to see, and I have read that same script many times since 1997.
It all started in 1996, and if you can envision a trainer torn to pieces by a defeat, that was Baffert after his first Kentucky Derby starter, Cavonnier, appeared a sure winner in the stretch only to be nailed right on the wire by Grindstone in one of the closest Derby finishes of all time. A despondent Baffert was sure he had lost his one big shot at racing’s ultimate glory and would never return to the Derby again. But he was back the very next year and reversed that photo, winning by a head with Silver Charm, who propelled his trainer to rock star status and the beginning of one of the greatest training careers of all time.
In 2001, Baffert was certain he had his first Triple Crown winner in Point Given and was devastated when the towering chestnut came up empty in the Derby, finishing fifth as the 9-5 favorite. But Point Given bounced back and went on to win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes on his way to Horse of the Year honors.
In 2002, Baffert uncharacteristically had no Derby horses, a situation he found hard to accept, but he did manage to still find controversy when he entered a huge longshot named Danthebluegrassman, which kept the horse of a chief competitor out of the Derby. Then on Derby morning, he scratched Danthebluegrassman when the colt was a reported to have tied up. About two weeks before the Derby, Baffert had become enamored with the Illinois Derby winner, War Emblem, who was then purchased by Baffert’s client The Thoroughbred Corp. War Emblem wound up winning the Kentucky Derby at odds of 20-1, giving Baffert three Derby winners in six years. He had turned having nothing into his third Derby and Preakness winner.
After going through a Triple Crown cold spell for several years, Baffert had the Derby favorite in Lookin At Lucky in 2010. But the colt drew the dreaded inside post and had one of the most nightmarish trips in Derby history, getting roughed up and slammed into the rail. He managed to come from 18th to finish sixth and then bounced back to capture the Preakness two weeks later, giving Baffert his first classic winner in eight years.
In 2012, Baffert went through the biggest crisis of his life, suffering a heart attack while in Dubai. Doctors inserted a stent to unclog his arteries and three weeks later Baffert watched on TV as his horses won all three major stakes at Oaklawn Park – the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap, and Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes. The Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister then ran a sensational race to finish second in the Kentucky Derby after setting a blistering pace and was beaten a neck in the Preakness.
In 2016, Baffert was undergoing one of the least productive years of his career, winning only two Grade 1 races with Lord Nelson, both sprints, though the middle of August. Then out of nowhere came a monster named Arrogate, who had never run in a stakes, to win the Travers Stakes by 13 1/2 lengths in an astounding 1:59 1/5, shattering the 36-year-old track record. He followed that up with a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic upsetting California Chrome and was elected to the Hall of Fame this year.
The following year Baffert unveiled one of his most brilliant 3-year-olds in years when Mastery romped in the San Felipe Stakes. It was a crushing blow when the colt was injured shortly after and never ran again. But two weeks after the San Felipe, Baffert won the Dubai World Cup with Arrogate in one of the most breathtaking runs seen in years. It was obvious by now that Baffert’s bad times were short-lived.
In 2018, Baffert had a leading Derby contender in McKinzie, but like Mastery he was injured after the San Felipe Stakes. Up steps a lightly raced undefeated colt with only two career starts named Justify, who wins the Santa Anita Derby and then becomes Baffert’s second Triple Crown winner, following American Pharoah in 2015. Like in the late 90s and early 2000s, Baffert was once again the undisputed king of Thoroughbred racing, but wielding even more power this time. In fact, he may have gotten too successful and some felt it was time to remove him from his throne.
In 2020, with the Derby run in September due to the pandemic, the weekend could not have started off worse for Baffert and Jill when 6-5 McKinzie was upset in the Alylsheba Stakes and the stable’s beloved Gamine suffered a shocking defeat at 3-5 in the Kentucky Oaks. The main reason they traveled to Kentucky in a pandemic year was to see Gamine even though they had two horses, Authentic and Thousand Words, in the Derby. Still reeling over Gamine’s defeat they were dealt another blow when Thousand Words reared up on the walking ring before the Derby and flipped over backwards, which sent assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes tumbling to the grounds. Baffert’s rock for so many years, who traveled everywhere with the horses, suffered a broken wrist and was sent to the hospital, missing the Derby. Thousand Words, who had won three stakes and was coming off a victory in the Shared Belief Stakes had to be scratched, as the nightmare continued. So what happens? Of course Baffert wins the Derby with Authentic, who upset the 3-5 favorite Tiz the Law.
After that, all hell broke loose, with Baffert coming up with several positive drug tests, which were overages of legal medications. Baffert began to feel the wrath of the public. It all came toppling down in 2021 when he won his second straight Kentucky Derby with the hard-trying unlikely hero Medina Spirit, a Cinderella story himself, having been purchased at public auction for $1,000. All looked bright with the world again until the day after the Derby when it was announced Medina Spirit had come up positive for the steroid Betamethasone. Churchill Downs, in light of the past positives and the stain on the Derby, wound up banning Baffert from running horses in the Derby and at Churchill Downs for two years. The New York Racing Association followed by also banning Baffert. Both rulings, as well as the disqualification of Medina Spirit from the Derby two months after the colt’s sudden death from an apparent heart attack following a workout, set off a rash of court hearings and appeals. Racing’s one-time hero, good guy, and rock star was now being attacked from all sides on social media.
In 2022, Baffert, because of the Churchill Downs ban, was forced to turn several of his top Derby prospects over to other trainers, again mainly Tim Yakteen. But Baffert still kept firing on all cylinders that spring when Country Grammer captured the Dubai World Cup for Medina Spirit’s owner Zedan Racing. The two horses who made it to the Derby for Yakteen, Messier and Taiba, both finished up the track.
This year, Churchill made Baffert give up his 3-year-olds by February 28 in order to be eligible for the Derby. Among those sent to Yakteen was National Treasure, who had the misfortune of having to chase Baffert’s lightning-fast Cave Rock in the American Pharoah Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Then at 3, he had to be scratched from the San Felipe Stakes with a sore foot. But following his fourth-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby, he no longer was a Derby horse and was returned to Baffert.
And that brings us back to the Preakness. National Treasure and John Velazquez, as expected, followed the script perfectly. Velazquez had a good break and sent National Treasure to the lead. This time, Mage broke well and was able to sit behind the leader in third, three lengths back. But once National Treasure was allowed to get away with a sluggish 1:13 2/5 three-quarters over a very fast track you knew the race was all but over. Mage tried to close to gap but you could tell immediately that the closing kick he showed in the Derby wasn’t there. It was Blazing Sevens who actually went after National Treasure and moved alongside him looking like the stronger of the two. But National Treasure, after that slow three-quarters, had plenty left and battled back to win by a head. And he really had to pick it up, coming home in a rapid :23 2/5 and :18. Mage ran evenly late and could do no better than hold his position in third, beaten 2 1/4 lengths. It was still a good effort from the Derby winner and we surely will hear from him again. The Preakness actually turned into a good race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, with the third- and fourth-place finishers in that race finishing one-two.
I can’t say that Baffert got any additional satisfaction knocking off the Derby winner and preventing NYRA from having a horse going for the Triple Crown and all the extra revenue that would have bought in. But somewhere beneath the gamut of emotions he had to be feeling, there very well could have been that underlying sentiment after all he had been put through this past year by both organizations. Racing fans will probably debate who was right and who was wrong in this whole sordid affair for many years, but right now Baffert’s next step is to return to New York and try to add the Belmont Stakes.
As for National Treasure, a son of one of the nation’s most popular sires, Quality Road, he is an outcross in his first four generations, but his fifth generation is a Who’s Who of classic horses and sires. He is inbred to Raise A Native, sire of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Majestic Prince, inbred to Triple Crown winner Secretariat, inbred three times to Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Northern Dancer, and inbred to English Derby and 2,000 Guineas winner Sir Ivor. Also in his fifth generation are Nijinsky II, the last English Triple Crown winner, Damascus, winner of the Preakness and Belmont, Bold Bidder, the sire of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid, Tamerett, a daughter of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Tim Tam, Gold Digger, a daughter of Preakness and Belmont winner Nashua, and Bowl of Flowers, winner of the Coaching Club American Oaks.
Looking back at this year’s Preakness, all I know is that Bob Baffert once again has risen from the depths of defeat, despair, and distrust from a once adoring public, and was able to bask in the glow of victory with his horses, his help, and his family. And in the end that’s all that matters.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
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Great piece Steve. you tell history so well. Sort of like Shelby Foote.
Thank you Derek. If only I had that sweet Southern drawl.
A really eloquent story on what we all saw unfold on Saturday. Thank you, Steve.
Thanks Steve for this, I am a Baffert fan, I think he is one of the greatest trainers of all time! I think that Churchill Downs and NYRA just made an example of him because of his superior training abilities. Thank goodness he has that resiliency to bounce back. It’s very sad what has been done to his reputation, the haters will and are still loudly voicing their opinions. I will never forget on Breeders Cup Day, I was in the stands, Bob and Johnny V won the first race of the day with Arabian Knight. The boos coming from the crowd was just heartbreaking. Nobody deserves that!
Thanks for continuing to brings us such wonderful and insightful stories, you are one of the greats yourself!
Thank you, Teri. I was unable to see the Arabian Lion race, so I didnt know about boos. I am sorry to hear that. I think he will havee a lot of supporters in NY.
“I am a BB fan”. lol
The horses from Baffert’s stable which failed drug tests in the past five years have undoubtedly tarnished his reputation. I don’t think for a minute that Mr. Baffert himself was drugging horses. That is ludicrous. But security or operational procedures were lax enough that those horses were exposed to forbidden drugs. I certainly hope that Mr. Baffert has tightened up his operating procedures to preclude this from EVER happening again. He is too good a trainer and the sport needs him.
I agree, as I’m sure Baffert does, that procedures needed to be tightened, but just to get your facts straightened out, none of those medications were forrbidden, as you say. They were slight overages of legal medications that basically needed to be out of a horse’s system by race day. Baffert’s were very slghtly over the limit allowed.
Wasn’t the situation with Gamine in Kentucky based upon the recomendation by a vet that the horse being given medication and thus followed strict drug protocol by administering this medication on August 17 with the Oaks scheduled 18 days later (or 4 days past the drug protocol withdrawal period of 14 days as stated by the KHRC? And the injection of this medication was signed, dated and documented by the vet on August 17th?
Yet a trace did show up in the horse’s system.
It’s quite obvious both CD And NYRA railroaded baffert.
Wow! I broke open champagne.
The problem is that Bob Baffert got so cocky about his ability to get by with bending the rules (thanks to his charming personality and cozy relationships with everyone who’s everyone in the horseracing world) that he became very sloppy. Oops! Let’s face it: how many skin creams exist that don’t contain a forbidden chemical, which he could have used on Medina Spirit? Or he could have tapered sooner. Baffert also happens to kill more horses than other trainers. I’m no expert, but perhaps his giving horses too many drugs (thyroid medications horses don’t need, but because he wants them to eat better, until they might suffer cardiac arrest) is one reason. Walking his horses more, like the Japanese, might help with the catastrophic breakdowns such as Havnameltdown. Making horses stand in their stalls all day long except when they’re training or racing weakens their bones, as the Japanese learned.
BRAVO!
A nice piece of history interwoven with personal stories and overcoming tragedy with triumphs. Bob Baffert is the best Trainer to get a horse ready for the Triple Crown races. If he is able to keep them in training he would most likely be the best older horse trainer too.
His string typically retires earlier with successes and off to the shed.
I am in awe Steve that you were able to up with a story like this on such short notice. I got goosebumps just reading it, in fact, I read it twice. All of those all time greats mentioned. I marvel & I am grateful that you keep all of these long forgotten equine greats alive for us.
I wish I had the words to say to you on how much I appreciate these weekly reading treats. Keep up the great maestro.
You are truly the best at what you do.
If NBC or Fox had any sense they would put you on these Triple Crown telecasts.
Happy early Memorial Day Sir!!
Thanks so much Deacon. I really appreciate that. My TV days are over. Thats for young camera friendly people Lol
Steve, i can’t really see you interviewing “celebrities” we’ve never heard of, and, no offense, but you’re no Britney Eurton.
I’m closer to Peter Eurton and even he looks better on TV
I think you would do fine on TV. Heywood Hale Broun wasn’t young when he did TV commentary and neither was Frank Wright. They had intelligence rather than youthful looks. Like them, you would have more worthwhile things to say than some of the people we hear from now. And if visual issues ever turned out to be a problem, nowadays you can always wear a mask.
Felix Tavera has a great radio program.
Steve, you would be perfect for a spot on his show and you could do it from the comfort of your hone!
I actually read this with Walter Cronkite’s voice narrating. The facts, with some human interest thrown in for good measure. Another well written article, Steve. Thanks.
Thank you very much Jo Anne. That was a real honor even just pretending.
I read it with Jack Whitakers voice but there’s nothing wrong with Steve’s voice.
So, Bob Bafferet is no longer “He who shall not be named”? It’s about time.
Another well written, interesting article by Steve Haskin. Unfortunately, Steve is one of the few real journalists left. I encourage you to continue to publish as long as you are able, Steve. I look forward to reading your column, as much for your writing ability as for its content. Thank you!
Thank you so much Ken. That really means a lot to me.
I like National Treasure right back in the Belmont.
I thought he was a race away from being able to wire the Preakness, so I only expect another step forward.
6-1 if Forte and Tapit Trice are in the race?
This is nice to find just now… “If National Treasure goes, he’ll run in the Belmont because (jockey John Velazquez) said he could have gone around there twice.”
Great to have you back writing again, soley missed yr derby dozen and jus everything you write abour,great artile
Thank you very much Henry but I have never stopped writing. I’ve been doing the same kind of columns on here every week for three years and I feel my Derby Rankings here are more thorough and informative than on Bloodhorse.
I agree entirely with your own assessment, Steve. I believe your analysis as well as your writing have improved markedly when not constrained by certain limitations required by the press to fit a formula.
Thank you David. Much different atmosphere writing here.
Steve, I’ve found something similar here in Melbourne. I don’t miss the hustle, bustle of New York or London anymore either. Lol.
Thank you, Steve, for a fair and balanced story on this event with mixed emotions for all. The Baffert haters are so ready to pounce and accuse, with Pavlovian regularity. It’s refreshing to read an account that does not attempt to whitewash the past mistakes, while still celebrating a very worthy champion, National Treasure. It’s probably a minority opinion at this point, but I believe the Triple Crown and horse racing in general is better for having Baffert as such a prominent player in it.
Well said Amy. Bob has had his issues for sure but people forget all the good hes done for racing. And he is always accessible to the public and the media.
not a baffert fan, not a hater, I’m neutral on the trainer, although his owners do stack his barn with very very nice horses. But the real disappointment for racing fans is that 2P did not run back in the Preakness.
There will never be a downfall in horse racing as long as we have steve Hakin another great article ! Thanks so much !
That is very kind of you Nick. Thank you so much.
Steve, your abridged version of Bob Baffert’s career gives the reader a keen sense of what the raw emotions that must have gone through the Baffert family, owners, team, during the afternoon on Preakness day. As you wrote, the day provided a snapshot of the trainer’s career in full. Well done.
It’s a pity John Velasquez didn’t spend more time riding in Europe he would have had quite a few Classic trophies on both sides of the Atlantic by now. Still the best jockey in the US. Bravo to him, and a pleasure to watch for so many years.
I went to YouTube to find the Press Room post race coverage of the 1992 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, won by Thirty Slews, to remember a youthful Bob Baffert. I mistakenly thought Baffert was more reserved then, no, in fact he came across as more confident then, than now. Time can play tricks on you. Ha ha
Velazquez could have emulated Steve Cauthen’s amazing success in Europe.
Exactly, Steve. Every time, Velazquez has his mount in the optimum position to give the horse every chance, win, lose, or dead heat. It still bugs me that the New York stewards didn’t put Zandon up for the Remsen Stakes.
Everywhere else in the world bar New York, Mo Donegal would have been taken down.
Thanks Steve
Thanks for the great read Steve. The race played out almost exactly as you wrote last week. I have seen Bob at different tracks before and he is always professional, friendly, and kind to race fans and he remained so on Saturday despite his loss. even I saw him entertaining requests for pictures on his way to tack up National Treasure for the Preakness. The loss of any horse on the track is sad for any true horseman. Bob is a true horseman. I am sure he is just happy to be able to race his horses again.
Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Bob certainly made his presence felt quickly on the Triple Crown scene. So typical. Thanks for your comments .
Two years ago I was at Los Al to see Gamine…after the race Bob and Jill walked past toward the winners circle, and I said “great work, Bob”, and he turned around and said “thank you” …after the picture, Jill stopped and thanked me, saying it meant a lot….and I realized they were nervous, it was July 2021 (I think)….
Jill is a very warm, caring person,
I also wanted to mention how sick I felt as I watched Havnemeltdown’s race. My sincere condolences to all connected to that great horse. Great job by Arabian Lion. Looked effortless. What’s going on with Arabian Knight?
Thank you, Mr Haskin on your Preakness thoughts of Team Baffert. I have been a long admirer of Mr Baffert and of course the Super Stars he has brought to the track, I have always thought the incident with Medina Spirit was akin to looking for a match in a forest fire with CDI’s/ Kentucky Racing Commission’s responses, and it ruined the reputation of a very talented, beautiful horse. Of course the loss of Havenameltdown was tragic, incredibly unfortunate and everyone would wish for any other outcome, and while Mr Baffert appeared emotionally moved after National Treasure’s Win, I feel this showed how he always feels when these things sadly happen. I applaud your words and am trying to locate the book you wrote about Bob Baffert, would love to read it
Thank you, Steve, for acknowledging Baffert’s accomplishments in spite recent controversies. I don’t have a lot of respect for Churchill folks for the way they’ve treated Baffert. Punishment didn’t seem to fit the crime. I showed up a Clocker’s Corner early one day, being on vacation in California, and thoroughly enjoyed the all the works early that morning. Had some great coffee and Bob Baffert talked to me, one on one by the rail, as if we were old friends. Honest and transparent as he could be talking about Pharoah, Justify and others. There wasn’t a shred of arrogance or pretension and a day I won’t ever forget. I felt as if he spent that time with me, the way that he did, one, because he is a sincere guy but, two, as an ambassador for the sport. Will Two Phil’s run in the Belmont??? What ever happened to Loggins???
Two Phil’s is possible for the Matt Winn Stakes. Not sure why.
Bigtex, I had the almost identical experience at Santa Anita several years ago. My husband and I were at Clocker’s Corner early on S.A. Derby day, watching the works, and just as I went to collect my bowl of oatmeal, there was Bob Baffert next to me, also picking up his oatmeal. We laughed about that for a minute since they mixed up our orders, and when I saw he wasn’t with anyone, I got a little brave and chatted with him, in particular about Hoppertunity, who was a horse I was particularly interested in. Bob was gracious, relaxed and friendly with us, talking with us about the track and some of his horses. Like you, I’ll never forget that.
That’s a great story, Beth. I thought about my discussion with him again after I heard him say recently that American Pharoah at 4 would’ve been very similar to Flightline. This makes sense because Pharoah at the Haskell was a MONSTER. When I had that conversation with him at Santa Anita, he told me he thought Justify may have been more talented than Pharoah. Pretty cool stuff coming from the SOURCE.
Regarding Churchill, KARMA! He believes he can do no wrong!
Thanks Steve. I found your approach….well…’fair and balanced’. I can still remember Baffert at Los Alamitos with the quarters.
Just looked up the word “resiliency” and it said “see Bob Baffert”.
Thanks John, we must have the same dictionary lol
Great read, thanks Steve! I didn’t know you had wrote an autobiography with Baffert. I will have to purchase. Maybe you can share your thoughts about D Wayne Lukas leaving his So Cal tact for the Midwest. Maybe I am wrong but him leaving, the big heavyweight owners moved a lot to Baffert’s stable., which supercharged his stable depth. Baffert gets a lot of expensive babies, but so do a lot of other trainers who don’t get any results comparable to baffert.
I also have to commend Johnny V as a superstar rider. I never really followed his skill until he moved to So Cal. His touch is second to none, really enjoy watching his skill.
I think it’s too bad Mage lost and I found the race disappointing on a few counts. I hope for a better Belmont. There may still not be another front runner, tho.
Steve,
Thanks for a ” Redeeming ” and ” Rewarding ” article. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Glad you had the heart and courage to write it.
I too saw an easy win for national treasure….it was sealed fate when drew post one, with a small field and not too talented field….with NO speed.
Once Johnny V got the call, NT strong works, blinkers added, it was turn the lights out moment…
Thanks for writing a story about Horse Racing, thanks for being Charles Kurault, and not Mike Wallace, I thoroughly enjoy your stories of Racing, its characters, equine and human, and I love to talk horses!..
Thanks Matthew it was hard trying to come up with something to write.
Well stated, Matthew. Maybe it is better that we have no potential triple crown this year. Things need to cool down. Every story about Mage would come with a caveat about recent racetrack tragedies.
No way is it fair to put that on Mage, they will write what they do, regardless.