The ‘Spirit’ of the Times
Medina Spirit, through no fault of his own, has become a polarizing figure, and there is a good chance he will be deprived of any awards this year, although some will still make a case for him for 3-year-old champion. This is my take on the horse and the controversy that surrounds him.~ Steve Haskin
The ‘Spirit’ of the Times
By Steve Haskin
This column is not just about Medina Spirit. It is also about Thoroughbred racing, its highs and lows, its complexities, and how the sport and the Thoroughbred can trigger a wide range of emotions.
Aristotle named 14 distinct emotional expressions: fear, confidence, anger, friendship, calm, enmity, shame, shamelessness, pity, kindness, envy, indignation, emulation, and contempt.
Do we pity Medina Spirit and the lack of respect he’s been given since his drug positive? Do we wish more horses could emulate the courage and tenacity he has demonstrated in his races? Do we have anger, indignation, and enmity at what transpired following the Kentucky Derby and how it tarnished what was one of the great feel-good stories of the year that was too short-lived to fully enjoy and appreciate? Do we fear what the longe-range ramifications will be? Do we feel the positive test and its ensuing legal battles and banishments of Bob Baffert shamed the sport? Do we feel Baffert has been shameless having had several positives over the past year? Is the resentment of Baffert by a number of fans and rival trainers based more on contempt or envy? Do we still have confidence in Medina Spirit after he ran big races despite being under microscopic scrutiny and believe he is one of the best horses in the country? Will kindness and calm eventually prevail and we can all one day acknowledge the talent and courage of this obscurely bred, rags to riches colt?
Medina Spirit has brought out another emotional expression that escaped Aristotle – frustration. The roses that were draped across his withers on the first Saturday in May have long since wilted, and after six months we still don’t know whether they were rightfully his in the first place. Whether he gets to keep them or they are taken away from him, there will be debate, and in today’s society, the definition of debate has changed from “a discussion involving opposing viewpoints” to “an all-out verbal assault.”
In horse racing, debate has gone from “They were both great horses, but I still believe Damascus was better than Dr. Fager” to “If you believe Rachel Alexandra was better than Zenyatta then you really are a moron.”
Whatever is decided in the courts and commission hearings, there will be outrage. Some of the outrage will involve Baffert and some of it will involve Medina Spirit. In the case of Baffert, he has built up an amazing resume over the years and certainly does not want that and his reputation tarnished. In the case of Medina Spirit, no one will feel good about the horse being disqualified because he did something wrong and deserved to be, but many people will feel badly for the horse for running so gamely and having his name and his accomplishment ripped out of the history books.
Looking at that realistically, this isn’t Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa having to live with becoming pariahs and being disgraced. This is an athlete who could not care in the slightest if he is stripped of his Derby victory. If a horse can somehow comprehend the exultation around him after winning the Derby and feels proud of himself, then that is Medina Spirit’s trophy. The morning after the Derby, while all the barn workers were still rejoicing in his victory, his only moment of joy came when his groom brought his feed tub into his stall. When he was drawing off from the top older horses in California in the Awesome Again Stakes or chasing Knicks Go in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and finishing ahead of his fellow 3-year-olds he was totally oblivious to the turmoil that has surrounded him for months.
So why will I, a hardened veteran writer of some 45 years, feel badly for Medina Spirit if he loses his Derby victory over a dab of skin ointment that likely had zero effect on his performance? Because like many horse lovers I have a tendency to anthropomorphize when it comes to our equine heroes, or even with old claimers who find a new home after their racing career. Why else would I feel badly for Smarty Jones after the Belmont Stakes and Zenyatta after the Breeders’ Cup Classic? Perhaps it is because I have heard so many instances of horses sulking after they lost or learning about Kelso and John Henry having to be physically restrained by their jockey from going into the winner’s circle following a narrow defeat. Why do horses often respond to the atmosphere of their barn? Why do they stop winning when there is friction and chaos in the barn? I don’t know, but it happens.
Also, the record books have chronicled racing for hundreds of years and is like our bible in that it preserves the sport’s history for future generations. I was here to see Medina Spirit win the Kentucky Derby. I got to write about it and tell the story of the horse and the people behind him; just hard-working everyday people who eke out a living doing what they love, which is being around horses, whether it’s breeding them, buying them, selling them or caring for them. I want their feel-good story and the story of Medina Spirit to be told because it deserves to be told and will make others in the future feel good.
For those who have forgotten or are unaware of Medina Spirit’s back story, please go back to my Derby recap about two women, one who was going through a divorce and had to sell Medina Spirit for $1,000 and one, recently divorced, who saw something in him and bought him for $1,000 for her exercise rider to pinhook. Her bid was the only one on the colt.
Because of the cloud that still hangs over the Derby, with no ruling yet on whether Medina Spirit will keep his victory, there is uncertainly surrounding the colt’s future status. As a result, he was not among the six nominees for the Vox Populi Award for most popular horse. If there is a horse this year who under normal circumstances should be seriously considered for most popular horse it is Medina Spirit. There is also a good chance this unfortunate situation will be held against the horse when it comes time to vote for 3-year-old champion. So, yes, I will feel badly for the horse for all the reasons mentioned earlier, and feel badly for the people in whose hands he passed through on his way to Kentucky Derby glory.
History may forget about Medina Spirit and what he accomplished on the first Saturday in May, and remember him only for another reason, but for anyone who admires the courage of the Thoroughbred, they won’t forget the stretch run of the 2021 Run for the Roses when an unfashionably bred colt who sold for the price of a cheap laptop computer refused to let regally bred horses owned and bred by the powerful Godolphin and Juddmonte operations get by him. No matter what the Kentucky Racing Commission ultimately decides, no one ever can take that away from him.
Photo courtesy of Jerry Jackson Baltimore Sun
Medina Spirit was a fine race horse who consistently finished ahead of all the other three year olds and showed up every time. I will miss him.
Medina Spirit just died while training at SA.
Saddest possible outcome
Heartbreaking. No other words for it.
I went to HRN to see the probables and possibles for the Los Alamitos Futurity. This is what’s listed:
Barossa B. Baffert Possible
Rhetoric B. Baffert Probable
Enbarr B. Baffert Probable
Pinehurst B. Baffert Probable
Messier B. Baffert Possible
LOL!
Strength in numbers
Here, I’ll present some real facts regarding Medina Spirit and the 2021 Kentucky Derby that I believe Steve will agree to…
1) As of present and being over 7 months since the Derby, there have been no charges filed against Baffert by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, whereas the Gamine situation was settled and agreed upon in 4 months by Baffert and the KHRC since Baffert and vet acknowledged Gamine was injected with the B medication
2) Baffert’s attorneys claim that Medina Spirit was not injected with the B medication but instead was applied a topical ointment which they say backs up their claim with the recent urine test
3) According to reports it is said that the KHRC list ’63 times in their rules (KHRC) that a trainer is allowed to present mitigating circumstances in consideration of a penalty’.
4) Baffert’s attorneys are doing that now
Ban will remain.
How many mitigating circumstances can Bob Baffert provide? He is running out of them. Injection versus ointment.
Employer- Your random drug test indicates marijuana in your system at the time.
Employee – I didn’t smoke marijuana but had use an ointment containing the product for pain and that’s how it entered my system.
Employer – There are other pain ointments that do not contain marijuana. Why chose one with a product for which there is zero tolerance? Are you not responsible for what is used on your body?
.
Do you by any chance know the brand name of the ointment WITH marijuana?
Flloyds of Leadville 😀
LOL. I thought you were joking with that name. Then I looked it up…Eureka! What a country!
Not a joke, although, Floyd Landis who started it was a tour de france winner who was DQ for PEDs. His testimony lead to the Lance Armstrong debacle.
Wow!
So listen…Can I wrap the ointment in paper and smoke it?
You said no “charges” have been filed…….why do you think this is a court of law?…….Someone should explain what “facts” are to you.
Medina Spirit was a horse full of heart and talent. His death is beyond heartbreaking
My sincere condolences to ALL his connections and those who
cared for him day to day. This is simply the worst news. RIP Medina Spirit
A brave and determined little race horse. He died a warrior’s death after his 5f work on the racetrack crossing the wire one last time. Tragic – no other word can fully described this distressing incident. Would not want to be the KHRC having to hold a hearing on the KD DQ of the horse and especially in light of the claim by Baffert’s lawyer that tests are showing that the anti-inflammatory in question came from a cream and there is no proof the colt was injected with the substance. Talk about a set up to play the villain ! A demonstration of the folly of such fine precision testing down to picograms that raise more problems for the horse racing industry and its public image than they do good for the welfare of the horses. Clearly, Steve sees it as highly unlikely that a “dab of ointment” had any effect on the outcome of the race. Yet, this is the heyday of conspiracy theories which generally prove false so this one will always find life helped along by the regimen of fine precision testing.
Yes, it is absolutely awful. He was exactly, that a “brave and determined” little horse. I agree that the med. did not determine the outcome of the race. He won the Derby and I have said that on other sites. He was a great horse and his death is nothing but a tragedy.
Should focus on MS passing,(agenda free).
Agenda free, ‘Will’.
Steve did you see that Aqueduct 8th race Friday? Irad bears right, out of there, floating the outside horsres out, and then he makes a left turn towards the rail, and looks over his left shoulder and knocks an apprentice out of the saddle, and under the rail….
Yesterday he should’ve come down in the Remsen, bumping Zendon in the shadow of the wire, Zendon had been passed by 3/4 and came back to get beat a nose, and I heard Johnny V grabbed him in the paddock and gave him an angry earful…..people are weighing in about it, outside of a poster that bet on the Remson winner, nobody is siding with Irad…and I’m talking big names, in the sport…the Friday incident looked intentional, in the 1940’s, Eddie Arcaro knocked a rider into the rail, and he admitted it was personal….he got ONE YEAR, and he said it changed him, made him better….are they going to address Irad, and his reckless riding, or— continue to look the other way, and keep his number up? Do you have to knock a guy into the rail, to come down, back there?
I should have scrolled down and read your comment..Irad came wide with Mo Donegal, was in the SIX path….3/4 in front, and Zandon isn’t done.. ..Irad drifts 4 paths left, and brushes Zandon, twice—stewards—“saw” different…why? It was a NOSE….
He is totally reckless and should have been banned three months minimum for what he did. If I was that other jockey I would have pummeled him in the jocks room. And he definitely should have come down in the Remsen. The NYRA stewards are a disgrace.
A bug boy would have had license revoked….my sister went to school with a 17 year old young man, who was leading rider at Turf Paradise, and was killed, from a fall into the rail….the rail is extremely dangerous! They NEED to give him MONTHS!
looks like he’s getting month, singular. Which is better than none I guess.
OMG! He’ll miss the Tropical Park Derby!
What about maximum, Steve? One year?
For sure!
One last thing….at Santa Anita after a stewards decision— they post an explanation, for their call—and the announcer tells it to the patrons…Aqueduct just said “no change”, no explanation of their call, nada…..I was a basketball ref, and trained newbies….there’s no such young as a “no call”, everything is a call, and the stewards should show the incident, and say how they came up with their call. Aqu doesn’t do that.
Time to replace the NYRA stewards
They gave Eddie Arcaro one year ffor putting a jock over the rail. I’m, OK with that penalty. This was reckless endangerment that could have cost this kid his life.
Actions speak louder than words….he looks over at the other horse/rider–like “TAKE BACK…or else I’ll take you back, myself!”….but it does not matter what the guy was thinking—he needs a commupance!
I agree.
That’s exactly right, where’s the confidence for the punters when you have a maverick jockey getting away with incidents like this. I really admire the French stewards “as hard as nails,” no forgiveness.
Another thing that’s wrong about American stewards….they should NEVER converse with the riders, never—its all there, they HAVE the cameras….make the call cold!
I wonder if stewards in the 21st century have ever made an interference decision based wholly or in part on what a jockey told them. You’re right…all the evidence they need is in the video replays. But by allowing the jockeys to speak, they give the appearance of fairness.
The cameras can’t observe everything.
Mine can. 😎
Cameras can observe 99%, and are impartial.
The other jockey on Friday was Omar Hernandez Moreno. He is a novice jockey who just started riding back on May and has done very well.
If you go to Paulick’s webpage you will see screen shots of what Irad did and a replay of the video.
As frightening as the video of the race is, the photos are even more so.
Omar’s Guardian Angel was riding with him and there was a Guardian Angel overlooking his mount as well.
Had either or both Omar and Irad’s horses fallen it would have involved the horse behind the two. No way that jockey could have checked his mount in time to avoid going down.
That entire incident came within a whisker of being a fatal crash that would have killed one or both jockey’s and a horrendous perhaps fatal injurie to their horses.
I cannot for the life of me understand why the stewards did not suspend Irad for the maximum amount of time for that stunt.
It was clearly intentional on Irad’s part.
Totally agree
That is just shocking to view, it does appear maliciously intentional. Disgraceful.
I’ve viewed it several times. To me it looks negligent, not intentional. I think he felt he could clear the rail horse, but Irad’s mount wasn’t quite quick enough. That said, he shouldn’t have chosen to cut it that close.
I would tend to agree. It didn’t look intentional to me, but it didn’t make any sense. It was almost as though Irad didn’t know the horse was there, but it was pretty obvious that he was, and there was no need to go all the way to the rail at that time, anyway. I don’t know what Irad was thinking, but I suspect it was very bad judgment rather than evil intent. We can just thank God that nobody got hurt.
Then tell me–what was Irad looking at, when he turned and looked left—right at the other horse–before he continued on and knocked the rider off?
That’s not too difficult to fathom. He either felt the impact, or also heard the other jock which then caused him to look back.
Then we watched different races, cuz Irad turned and looked BEFORE he nailed him!
Yes, negligent to the extreme. It’s not as though it was a spit second decision and these top jockeys are such skilful riders. Arguably, the flattening of images, lacking clarity, often gives off a menacing depiction which may be inaccurate. Film noir thrived on these techniques.
Nonetheless, in the Remsen, the intent by Ortiz Jr. is clearly visible.
Davids, if you watch the video snippet on the Paulick page and look at Moreno’s mount rather than focusing on Irad you will see the hindquarters of Moreno’s horse drop just for a second then he recovers and continues running. Either the force of impact from Irad’s horse was the cause or the legs of his horse came into contact with the hind legs of Moreno’s horse. Something else to look for in the video and photo is the hard left plow rein that Irad is using and the position of the head of Irad’s horse (his head is being pulled sharply to the left.
This is apparently not the first time Irad has made this type of move on a horse on the rail. On another media site a woman commented that he did the same thing in a filly race (The Mademoiselle) and Irad’s mount locked a leg with leg of her filly when he pushed her over on the rail. The filly suffered a shin fracture as a result that almost ended her racing career.
If you read the commentary on the Remsen race on Blood Horse, Johnny was on the rail, Irad bumped him. Irad was also throwing his reins to the left and it appeared that he made contact with Johnny’s horse with the reins.
This is horse racing with live 1,000 pound horses going at speeds up to 40 plus miles an hour. It is not bumper cars at the amusement park.
I don’t think it was intentional, and it’s cerainly not clear what he was up to.
So?
So? She said he clearly intended to knock the jockey off his horse, I disagreed. Who knows why he rode that way in that race? No one I’ve read. Yes he should be suspended. I think he’s got problems and maybe should retire from racing if he can’t gain control. I thought last year he should find an older mentor or friend, who could give him advice.
PATTERN & EXCUSES
In 2020 Gamine was disqualified after finishing 3rd in the KY Oaks for a Medication overage. That’s the signature race for 3YO fillies at CD. In 2021 Medina Spiri’s postrace KD test revealed an overage for the same medication. The KD is the signature race opened to 3YO colts, geldings and fillies at CD.
Given the above. Why wouldn’t CD Inc., impose stiff sanctions on Bob Baffert? He is the only trainer with this dubious distinction. His success in the KD and purported fact of the TC, doesn’t make him exempt form stiff penalties.
There was no room for medication related violations in the world’s biggest dirt race for 3YOs. Why? The recent scandal that resulted in the indictment of a litany of persons including Jason Servis the trainer of disqualified KD winning Maximum Security. His indictment reveal Maximum Security entered the KD medically enhanced. With the case against trainer Servis still working its way through the courts. It was the worst time of an overage in the KD.
Did CD Inc., acted impulsively in imposing a 2-year ban on Bob Baffert? Well, let’s see
CONTAMINATED TONGUE TIE – Gamine & Charlatan
On May 2, 2020, at Oaklawn Park, both Charlatan after winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Gamine winning an allowance race on the undercard tested positive for an overage of lidocaine. Baffert said it came from a back-relief patch that his assistant Jimmy Barnes handled before he fitted the horses with their tongue ties.
WITHDRAWAL TIME DISCREPANCY – Gamine
“Betamethasone is a legal, commonly used anti-inflammatory medication. It is not a ‘banned substance,'” Craig Robertson wrote. “The medication was administered to Gamine on Aug. 17 by her veterinarian and on the veterinarian’s recommendation.” That was 18 days before the Oaks. Robertson pointed out that the withdrawal period published by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is 14 days.
OINTMENT NOT INJECTION – Median Spirit
Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit’s trainer, said in a statement shared with The Hill on Tuesday that the horse was prescribed the ointment Otomax for dermatitis that he developed on his hind end. Medina Spirit was treated once a day with the ointment until the day before the Derby, Baffert said. On Monday, Baffert was made aware that the one of the substances in the ointment was betamethasone.
NOTEWORTHY OVERVIEW – compilation based on public records
In more than four decades in the sport, Baffert has faced significant regulatory scrutiny because of a high death rate only once, after seven of his horses collapsed in a short period of time at the same California track. State investigators found that his staff was mixing a potentially dangerous prescription drug into the feed of every horse in his care. But a top veterinary official cleared Baffert, finding that the spate of deaths “remains unexplained” following a probe that demonstrated the hazards of going after Baffert. Among them, according to interviews and records obtained by The Post: a push to have the veterinary official removed from office, supported by a trade group with Baffert among its directors.
Baffert also has wielded unmatched clout when regulators have discovered banned or excessive substances in his horses. Before his Kentucky Derby-winning colt, Medina Spirit, tested positive for betamethasone last month — which could erase the victory — his horses were cited for drug-related violations 29 times, according to the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI). But until now, those violations, some of which Baffert has succeeded in getting overturned or reduced, have resulted in roughly $20,000 in fines against $321 million in career earnings. Baffert’s lawyers have made explicit that he will accept fines but not a suspension, and state regulators have continually obliged him.
Therre have been many comments critical of what is perceived to be CD Ins., harsh and premature sanctioning of Bob Baffert. The cold facts are Bob Baffert is no saint and never has been. The term Teflon Don became popular over the 4 years of a particular administration. If is appears there was a Teflon Bob before until CD Inc., cited reasons for something serious to stick.
The folks that blindly and unconditionally support Bob Baffert cannot be viewed as true horse lovers but rather victims of one of the plagues in America i.e., Celebrity Crush.
That’s a heckuva good post, Ray…(hehe) NO—I mean it, good post, thought provoking!
Don’t even joke about that hehe.
That’s because he copy and pasted — word for word — from other sources without quotation marks and attribution. Also referred to as PLAGIARISM.
You call this a good post………unreal……..
You said the LIDO came from Jimmy’s patch…….you are wrong……Another bad report from a poster…..how can you not post truth? You cannot get things wrong. Stop posting if you can’t get it right. They said it might have, then investigated it. Jimmy did not have a patch on…….there WERE MANY HORSES THAT DAY that had it in their system…….Lido is something NOT USED IN RACES BY ANYONE.
What does that tell you? Obviously contamination. Why can’t people get this right?.. Is it bad reporting? Is it people have zero common sense?……They know it was contamination…..
You then post that the withdraw time is 14 days…..this is the WINDOW…..ALMOST ALL HORSES IT IS GONE BEFORE A WEEK…..yes 18 days out, should tell you something……it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY it would show up…..i say no way……so we are probably looking at CONTAMINATION on this one too……it doesnt make sense….this is common sense.
Withdraw times AND THE WITHRAW WINDOW are not the same thing.
You then blame 7 horse deaths on bob……..do you know the autopsy report? One or more had rat poison. One horse didnt have enough of a sample to test…..but the rat poison was a different rat poison than the one used at the track. Weird huh?
Then, you conveniently leave out that THYROID MEDICATION USED WAS LEGAL……..Implying this medication kills horses is was wrong…….widely used………
You then make the “overs” sound like PEDs…..all those violations……..notice? You bunched them together?
So, what have we learned?……….Do i have to say it?…………i will be accused of being rude………
Let people post more untruths……
.I thought it was never understood HOW 7 horses died, are you sure it was rat poison? I read a lot, and never knew they determined it was rat poison, were there other rat poison deaths at Hollywood Park? Oh, you said “one or two”…well, was it ONE, or TWO, Mr Know-everything?? Because it was SEVEN horses, they died all around the same time, and at the same track—HOW does Bob not know ANYTHING? What do YOU think, PRO? Do you suspect a felonious crime? You’re the VET, WHAT DO YOU THINK killed those horses, cuz that whole thing was swept under the rug…..I like Bob, but there are questions, after the Big Cap–where Game on Dude mugged Setsuko—with the female rider—WHAT do you think Bob was saying, when he ran over to the steward’s phone, and talked for over two minutes? I thought he was telling the track about how they would ruin a good story line, by dropping the female rider (Ms Sutherland), one thing I KNOW—I never saw THAT before! Neither did Mandella, sort of like Bob’s rules are different than everyone else’s….that’s on Bob.
1 had rat poison that was a different brand than the one used at track……thought to be 2….but they ran out of tissue on 2nd…..so am i supposed to say it wasnt rat poison?…….
Thyroid med was legal…….it doesnt kill horses…….they found no fault……baffert said he would stop using that med…..it was no big deal………
So people that know nothing keep saying he killed 7 horses
Americanrevolution, might be advising that “it ain’t over till the fat lady sings” to support his claims as being the best 3 year old colt after winning the Cigar Mile.
The assembled field of older horses in the Cigar Mile is/was vastly superior the the field of older horses Medina Spirit defeated in the Awesome Again Stakes. Nothing is ever static in horse racing.
Hello, Davids. Your comment gave me my first giggle of the day. For quite a while now I have been hoping to find little gems here and there that make me laugh or smile. News has become very depressing! Anyway, I agree with you. AR has had a pretty awesome season this year in my opinion. And the good news is that after a rest over the winter the plan is for him to come back the middle of next year.
His sire, Constitution, was one of my favorites when he was racing and it has been good to see his progeny doing so well. Wish Independence Hall had done better in this race. He will now retire and I think stand at WinStar. Following the progeny of these stallions and mares that I liked is great fun for me.
Yes, Lynda, I too was hoping Independence Hall would get his Grade 1 in the Cigar Mile but when they dawdled up front and the roughish trip was against him. He’s had an unlucky career in some respects but WinStar beacons for him. Constitution is going from strength to strength and with even better broodmares to follow his success seems assured.
As for Americanrevolution, next year looks positive. Frankly, I can’t remember the last time there were so many good 3 year olds staying in training. Takes you back to the 80s and earlier. We just have to fight off Winter. Ha ha
That’s a really nice horse! And really beautiful chestnut, with the giant blaze, that looks like an arrow pointing up! I think the fillies mile race went faster, though, many in the Cigar Mile didn’t fire.
I agree, AR is gorgeous. Constitution and many of his progeny have a lot of presence about them.
Yes Matthew, they walked early to stop the closers but Americanrevolution was impressive nonetheless. The gamble worked for Pletcher et al as they were talking of putting him away for next year. Next year appears is overflowing with talent in the older horse division which is rare these days.
The Malibu Stake looks like a firecracker to end the year, wish I could be there. Might be one for the ages.
I intend to be there! Can’t wait to see Flightline, up close! Last time I was so excited to see a Sadler horse, was for Nolo Contesto, and I went up to Sadler and told him I thought he had a terrific animal….horse has not won a race since!
I don’t think it was your fault that Nolo hasn’t won since you talked to Sadler about him. Well….maybe.
Opening day Santa Anita is the present you open up the day after Christmas!
Lucky you, it’s better than Christmas. Ha ha We’ll go by the adage that ‘lightning never strikes twice in the same place twice’ so Flightline should be ok.
Hello Steve – I am excited about Zandon after his impressive performance in the Remsen. It was a big ask to throw a 2 yr. old into a situation from stretching out from 6 to 9 furlongs, but Zandon passed the test with flying colors. I am glad I locked in Zandon at 56-1 in KDFW1. Zandon took the lead in the stretch and was 9 lengths clear of the 3rd place finisher at the wire. Mo Donegal battled Zandon but the head on replay showed Mo moving towards and brushing Zandon in deep stretch, Zandon was in very close quarters due to Mo coming over. Chad Brown after the race believes that Mo should have been DQ and I agree. It looks to me that Zandon will also get the 1 1/4 should he make the derby, his gallop out was sting. Joel Rosario was injured so Johnny V. rode him in the Remsen. Zandon has two top jockeys and a good trainer in Chad Brown moving forward.
Mo Donegal’s connections already have the purse money, too late to complain about it.
We don’t get the money same day
I’ll bet the money’s assigned to them with a notice the same day.
The stewards must have been having an early Christmas celebration to make that decision. Everywhere else in the world, bar Aqueduct, Zandon wins. Bad judgment.
I didnt like the stretch out from 6f to 1 1/8, but he ran an awesome race and I thought he definitely should have been put up. Ortiz is thee most reckless rider I’ve seen in long time and I would have banned him for months after what he did the day before. But from a Derby standpoint, Zandon proved he is special. I spoke to Chad and he is SO high in him, more high than Ive even seen him on a horse. I kept waiting for him to tire and he never did, and as you said his gallop out was strong. Look forward to following him. Nice bet by the way.
Steve, I couldn’t agree more re: Ortiz Jr’s antics in races. Todd Pletcher appeared as though he expected a negative finding from the inquiry before the outcome was delivered. It looked ‘cut and dried to me,’ Zandon was impeded by the the other jockey.
Good to hear Chad Brown is so high on Zandon. There’s be quite a few Upstarts that showed early promise but failed to advance but Zandon appears to be the real deal. Like yourself, I’m not overwhelmed about running in the Remsen but In Chad we trust.
Hey Steve – You sure pegged Zandon as a sleeper, as you said, he could be a special one. Aqueduct is notorious for being a tiring track and kudos to Chad Brown who had Zandon fit as a fiddle for the Remsen after the layoff and the extra 3 furlong stretch out. I read in a DRF article that Zandon could be headed to South Florida for his three year old campaign and Derby trail trek. Steve, did Chad mention what might be the next target for Zandon when you spoke with him?
Good luck with Zandon, 1JoeP. Nice odds!
Thanks Eddie, Derby dreaming for sure with Zandon.
Re- the Medina Spirit drug testing matter: Baffert’s attorney firmly concludes that the found presence of betamethasone VALERATE metabolite and the absence of the ACETATE metabolite conclusively proves that Medina Spirit was not administered a betamethasone acetate injection within the non-permissible time frame of the rules. I’d say, not so fast; that his evidence may not be the conclusive proof he trumpets it to be. There are still more details to be learned. For openers, it takes longer for these meds, either med, to show up in the urine than the blood. For example, it can take up to 48 hrs. to be detected in the urine. So, there is the possibility, admittedly very slim, that a horse could receive the betamethasone acetate injection a day or two before race time and it not be detected in his day of the race urine sample, while at the same time it would be detected in the blood sample. More importantly, perhaps, acetate tends to be metabolized and removed from the body rather quickly. It’s possible that it may not have existed in either the blood or urine sample, and that only the betamethasone was isolated in the blood sample which yielded the positive. All just conjecture on my part, but it does suggest that the mere additional evidence offered by Baffert’s attorney is not proof positive that the horse was not also administered the injection.
Sceptre, at this point all that we know about the test results is from the attorneys for Baffert. Their pronouncements must be taken with a grain of salt. If previous reports are correct, the test was initiated NOT to look for the specific type of betamethasone (because only “betamethasone” is prohibited). It was to identify the ingredients that are contained in Otomax, the use of which was admitted to in Baffert’s second explanation last spring. This last test was initiated by the Baffert team to cloud the issue at hand (i.e., the presence of a PROHIBITED substance). And you are absolutely correct: Who can say that betamethasone WASN’T injected, followed by — or simultaneous to — the use of the ointment?
So much speculation involved here. Smoke and mirrors, this saga is going to play and play with the only winners being the attorneys. Interesting post.
I have a feeling it may sort itself out via both sides’ expert testimonies; which, the more compelling.
Sir London’s much anticipated stretch-out at Los Alamitos was impressive. He went off at 1-5 and ran like it. Simon Callaghan must be Derby dreaming. His only previous Derby starter was Firing Line, 2nd by a length to some forgotten horse named American Pharoah. Next up, the biggest challenge: versus winners!
Eddie F.: That was quite a professional run by Sir London, and he didn’t beat no claimers, neither.
In a typical MSW without a Sir London, a horse like Portsmouth (Baffert) would have been a heavy favorite. Not sure what else Sir London beat. But he won by 10! I’m looking forward to his next race, that’s for sure.
Me, too. Probably a little too soon for the Los Al Futurity, but he didn’t have to work very hard.
I thought Zandon ran a remarkable race in the Remsen, considering it was only his second start. Some nice horses showed up today.
Even more remarkable, for me anyway, was that Zandon wasn’t put up as the Remsen winner. Ortiz Jr. was all over Zandon and Johnny Velasquez like a ‘mugger.’
Zandon looks very promising.
Like Zandon. Following him for awhile.
Me too. Ever since some guy who writes a horse-racing blog talked about him. 😉
lol
Yes, Sir London is one to follow, his two previous starts were way too short. Steady as she goes.
News reporting last evening following the announcement by the attorney on the independent lab results indicate that CHD is not commenting on an ongoing investigation; that the stewards have not yet had a closed door hearing on the matter nor has a date been set for the hearing. If previous precedent is followed, the stewards will issue a ruling or decision within a few days after the meeting.
This however did not stop social media from buzzing that Medina Spirit was now the “official winner” and that Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit and the connections have been vindicated.
It would seem that a cautious approach to the stewards decision is warranted. I say that because we do not know how they will interpret the rules and regulations as written. As I noted below and attorney for CHD said back in June that the regulations do not distinguish how the restricted medication is dispensed (topical or by injection).
I had hoped that this fiasco would be resolved before the “official” start-up of the Derby season so that the owners and connections of the horses under Baffert’s tutelage would know where they stood and what they had to do to keep their horses on the Derby trail provided the DQ and Baffert’s suspension held.
Just reading BTW it sounds like there may not be a ruling by the stewards in the short term. CHD did issue a statement early on that if Baffert was exonerated that the points his trainees earned for both the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks would be restored.
Going forward at the very least, CHD and the NYRA will have to tighten the screws on the rules and regulations to prevent or a least reduce the possibility of this happening again. Again, as I stated so many times, the need for one governing body for horse racing is long past due.
Either way the stewards decision goes there will be kickback that will keep this story in the media spotlight for some time.
Based on the press release by CD inc., there is no possibility they will reverse their decision even if Madina Spirit isn’t disqualified. In Bob Baffert’s pronouncement after the positive test was revealed. He fell just short of accusing CD of sabotage driven envy. Just about every envious person was trying to cancel him. It was simply disgraceful coming from a man that has an extremely dark sies to his career.
The press release cited Bob’s long list of violations and the suspect reasons given for them. It was not just the Medina Spirit that was the driver of the 2years ban.
Coldfacts, I do not know that the stewards will decide that in this instance that the topical application of the betamethasone valerate for what appears from the photos to be a very bad case of fungal ringworm will result in the permanent DQ of Medina Spirit and upholding the action to suspend Bob Baffert’s training privileges at CHD based on the test results from the race.
I do not know what additional information they have or what studies they have initiated, maybe you do. Perhaps you do have some inside information that leads you to such a conclusion.
Baffert was perfectly within his right to request and pay for the additional testing of the blood and urine samples. He is also, as I see it, entitled to his “day in court” both in Kentucky and in New York to prove that he did not inject Medina Spirit with betamethasone.
When one of Justin Gatlin’s random out of competition tests revealed the presence of synthetic testosterone in his system. He was adamant that he neither nor any other party administered testosterone injections.
He theorized that a disgruntled massage therapist in an effort to sabotage him, rubbed him with a massage cream containing testosterone. His theory for how the synthetic testosterone found its way into his system didn’t absolve him from the positive test and/or violation. He was given a 4year ban.
There are always clever folks that sturdy ways to beat the system. It is seen as a work around. Some folks are excellent at providing what they perceive to be plausible explanations for violation. Bob Baffert’s list of reasons for his many violations have been the subject of humor. From medication contained pain patches to urine from staff member that consumed bagels with poppy seeds.
Many might be of the opinion that this reported test result will prevent the disqualification of Medina Spirit. But if Justin Gatlin cream explanation didn’t fly. It is unlikely the cream reason provided by Bob Baffert will. How the agent found its way into the system is irrelevant. Its presence is the factor on which adjudication will be based.
This! We saw it this past summer when Shelby Houlihan was banned after testing positive for nandrolone, an anabolic steroid. She claimed it was false because it came from the pork in a burrito from a street vendor. But despite being an American record holder, she was DQ for the next 4 years, meaning she could not run in Tokyo.
A positive is a positive. It sucks if you are the one getting the DQ but it keeps the public trust.
Their key argument is betamethasone valerate vs. betamethasone acetate. That the former is not a banned substance. Whether that will fly or not, who knows, but seems a potentially strong argument to me.
Won’t fly, the actual rule doesn’t specify what type of betamethasone. The dq should be a given, it might mitigate on trainer sanction
Stop…….this med is not a ped……it doesnt make a horse run faster……..stop thinking
Nope, it wont make them faster per say, just less inflammation so makes it easier to run faster nd longer. Oh and it leads to broken bones.
As Prep Season started, I was big in on Life’s Good & Risk Taking, but watching Medina Spirit in the paddock on Derby Day, along with Life’s Good off the trail and Risk Taking not entered, I just said to the question hanging in the air by my Husband. “ who’s your Horse?” I blurted out the Baffert horse is going to win, the horse looks good, he’s impeccable trained, I think he’s going to win. And he did. And it was cool, it was. The issue surrounding the ointment I felt was ridiculous, it was not ingested, had he been brought to the Derby in that condition people would be uncharitable to say the least. I believe that saying American tears down the “ heroes to rebuild them after redemption, Mr Baffert gave us something horse racing pined for and he looked often unbeatable and then to beat the powerhouse breeding and owners with Medina Spirit. The response from many was unkind to the horse- he won, no debate about a stewards call on jockey error, Medina Spirit finished first. I am happy for him, I hope his story of the small horse wins the big race and it gives us hope, in that small guy dies good story from movies in the Depression Era. I hope Mr Baffert’s reputation is rehabilitated along with Medina Spirit, and I hope very much that Medina Spirit will be brought back to see him next year, he’s successful and takes HOY
OBVIOUSLY……the owner of Corniche KNEW ABOUT THIS……..i was wondering why he made such a statement…..it makes sense now…….
Poor Ray Paulick…….he had a bad day……he asked to see the results……..
In case anyone doesn’t know……Bob pretty much tests his own horses now….the best you can….he spent the money…..so, hard to believe that these OVERS will happen again…..
For its money he has…….he cares about his NAME
If he cared regarding his name,he would change.
You are right! His name is tarnished, if he cared he would have retained that vet he said he would get, last year….
Agree 100%
He now does testing on all his horses BEFORE they race……..the pandemic was the reason for the delay……
post facts
Likewise!
provet4 • 2 minutes ago
Very interesting……man….these guys are good……i studied drugs in vet school…..i did not know they can tell the difference in a test……….
Hope • a minute ago
Exactly that’s what I’m saying I am going to school to be in the Veterinary field and I’m just like yeah this doesnt make sense I even asked my professor who is also a veterinarian and he told me that they cant tell the difference in a test
provet4 Hope • a few seconds ago
I know……..i’m kinda shocked……..i thought i knew everything……lol
who knew?
What a change of EVIDENCE…………i now think anything can happen…….this is very very interesting……FUN…….
interesting that Hope. A vet student, asked her PROFESSOR…..and he said they can’t tell the diff in a test………
So, i’m not gonna be mad at myself for not knowing either……
This is a great MOVIE……i’m just gonna watch what happens……
Ken McPeek said that Smile Happy is being pointed to the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn, and possibly the Rebel and Arkansas Derby.
Big purses and big fields. Excellent simulation for the KD
I like that route.
Looks like the results from the lab regarding Medina Spirit are now complete and according to Baffert’s attorney show the ingredients of Otomax is consistent with the samples already taken and appear to back Baffert’s contention that the original test conclude that it was the topical cream and not an injunction….
Looking at this from the proverbial 30,000 feet position it looks like it might be very, very hard to DQ Medina Spirit at this point…..
My reading of the Ky regs is that it doesn’t matter that the Betamethasone was in an ointment. I’ve cited the relevant rules in an earlier post. If anyone knows anything to the contrary, please post it.
Betamethasone acetate is an injection and not allowed….betamethasone valerate, which is found in the topical cream is not and it was the latter and not the former that was determined to be found in Medina Spirit.
John, please cite the regulation that differentiates between forms of Betamethasone. The prohibited drug is listed in the regs only as “Betamethasone.”
Section 8 of KHRC Guidelines with specifc withdrawal times …specifically mentions betamethasone acetate and not betamethasone valerate which is found in topical creams.
Will remain.
What that guideline does is suggest withdrawal times to trainers and would probably provide a mitigating circumstance for the trainer if they were found to have followed the guidelines. The actual rule just says betamethasone and doesn’t distinguish between types nor specify how it land in the horse.
JanBer, amusing individual on HRN who uses her 50 names spinning for BB…..as usual. Unreal!
I do post on HRN but just as me. My disqus is open if you want to check. And the idea that I would be spinning FOR BB is pretty ludicrous.
In June during a court hearing in Kentucky before the urine sample was sent to New York, Jennifer Wolsing, general counsel for the KHRC, said the betamethasone prohibition is “not differentiated” between creams and injections in the regulator’s list of prohibited substances.
John is right Eddie. The strategy of the defense team was to prove valerate in Medina Spirit’s system because the prohibited type was Acetate… Please, note I am not making any judgement just being a messenger here…
The following is an excerpt of the document John Goggin mentioned:
“11) Any horse that has been treated with therapeutic medications found in sections 6 through 10 of this document may, at the trainer’s request and expense, and on permission of the Commission veterinarian, have samples of blood and/or urine collected by the Commission veterinarian for analysis by the Commission authorized laboratory prior to entry to race in the state of Kentucky. As a condition of this elective testing, the trainer will be required to disclose the date and time, dose, and route of administration of the substance for which clearance testing is requested. A report from the commission laboratory of a negative finding in this pre-race, elective testing does not provide a safe harbor for the owner, trainer, veterinarian or horse. A report from the commission laboratory of a positive finding in a post-race sample shall be treated as a violation of KHRC regulations even if there was a negative finding by the commission laboratory in the clearance testing sample.
12) The following have a 14 day stand down period for intra-articular injection (IA). Any IA corticosteroid injection within 14 days is a violation: Betamethasone-Intra-articular (IA) at 9 mg total dose in a single articular space; NOTE: Withdrawal time should be increased for use of betamethasone products with ratio of 1>1:1 betamethasone acetate to betamethasone sodium phosphate. Intramuscular administration is associated with substantially longer withdrawal times.
Hi, Nelson. Those passages are unrelated to the matters being contested. I’ve already cited what I think are the relevant regulations. I’m content to wait and see what eventually happens in Kentucky. If I find that I have no future as a legal scholar, so be it.
Not quite over yet. Pardon the use of an old expression…Not over until the fat lady sings. In this case the fat lady is CDI. A spokesperson for the organization said something to the effect that their investigation was still proceeding.
I disagree. It won’t be “very hard to DQ Medina Spirit at this point…” For, to do otherwise would set a bad precedent. As example, even topical corticosteroids can have an antiinflammatory and analgesic effect on joints, etc. If the DQ was not upheld this could potentially open the door for the foolish widespread use of copious amounts of high potency topical steroidal creams and ointments on joints, etc. , in the belief that they could exert some of the intended effect without risk of penalty. Anyway, if I were prosecuting this I’d offer this argument.
I’m out on this one…….very impressive team Bob has………it went from done deal…….to WOW…….i didnt see this coming…..
Please!
The final decision will be based on the regulations as written and on the evidence.
The final decision will be based on the interpretation and, perhaps, intent of the regulations in regard to the evidence.
The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution because the document is in parts deliberately lacking in detail. The racing commission has no authority to make allowances when the regulations are detailed to the extreme. Keep in mind, also, that this recent test for the several ingredients of Otomax was initiated by Baffert and his legal team, not by the Ky authorities.
EddieF, not exactly.
The role of SCOTUS: The Supreme Court plays a very important role in our constitutional system of government. First, as the highest court in the land, it is the court of last resort for those looking for justice. Second, due to its power of judicial review, it plays an essential role in ensuring that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its own power. Third, it protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. Finally, it sets appropriate limits on democratic government by ensuring that popular majorities cannot pass laws that harm and/or take undue advantage of unpopular minorities. In essence, it serves to ensure that the changing views of a majority do not undermine the fundamental values common to all Americans, i.e., freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.”
The “missing” you refer to is resolved via the Constitutional Amendment process.
The Founders intended for the Constitution to be a “living document” and realized that there would be a need for amendments as the new nation grew and changed.
Lynda, it seems you misinterpreted ( 🙂 ) my comment. Plus, I didn’t make any reference to “missing”, so I have no idea what that’s about. 😮
I hope that commentary on this whole sordid affair doesn’t infect the comment section of all future Haskin columns that have nothing to do with Medina Spirit, Bob Baffert, or Kentucky racing regulations. If it does, I’m taking up golf.
“The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution because the document is in parts deliberately lacking in detail.”
My point concerned the role of interpretation. I used the SC/Constitution description as an example of an appropriate use of interpretation (see The Federalist Papers & Marbury v Madison). That’s all it was. It wasn’t meant as a wholly irrelevant insertion of SC commentary! That said, much has been written about the specificity (or lack thereof) in the Constitution. Discussion is for another forum.
EddieF, I cannot speak for others, only for myself when I say that I have no intention of dragging this situation into the conversation on future posts from Steve. I am more than ready to put this entire affair behind me and move on to other conversations such as the upcoming Eclipse Awards, potential Derby contenders and articles such as the recent on of the “Iron Horses”.
And yes I did use the term “missing” whereas your comment was the document is deliberately lacking in detail, that was a mistake on my part however it does not change the fact that I disagree with your contention that our Constitution is “deliberately missing in detail”, hence my reply back to you.
Politics, in this age of social media, blog sites, opinion pieces, invariably rears its head on most every topic.
If you think this is heavy on this post from Steve, I would refer you back to 2014 when California Chrome was in the running for the Triple Crown and the things that were said to his most passionate fans, the “Chromies”.
Massive regarding Chrome.
Hi Lynda
A very impressive interpretation of “The role of SCOTUS”. The judicial, legislative and executive branches of our government have specific rolls which should not infringe on each other. Unfortunately, our current president has been doing his best to usurp the role of the other two branches. The 85 million people who voted for Biden are getting their just reward, (inflation, unsecure borders, military setbacks, ect. ect.).
Good lord! I guess you want to open up this racing blog to completely off-topic partisan political commentary. You did the same on BloodHorse. It’s the LAST thing I (and probably many others here) want to see on this blog, but unfortunately there’s no blocking function. For the sake of harmony, save it for news and political sites.
Agreed and absurd bringing Biden on a racing venue.
EddieF
Is that an order, or just a suggestion? Just out of curiosity, how long have you been the self-appointed Sergeant at Arms on this blog? It appears it’s ok for you to wander off the range with comments on the Constitution, but not ok for others. Just another example of “Don’t do as I do, but do as I say.
BTW, feel free to take up golf, a very humbling game, which should suit you just fine.
Gave up golf @ 28, an old man’s game.
Hey, Bill. I hope you had a great weekend. I would like you to please tell me what it is that you think I was saying in regard to the Constitution.
Biden and racing? Wow!
I stand by my precise statement, and am rather sure that’s how it will play out. According to your scenario, there would essentially be no need for attorneys on either side.
Agreed!
This is the state of racing in 2021: The ML favorite and second favorite in the G2 Remsen Stakes in December are last-out MSW winners. I’ll take a shot with another maiden winner, Eloquist (ML 12-1). Loved his big improvement in the stretch-out. Trainer Reid doesn’t ship just any horse to Aqueduct for the Remsen. His last entry was the winner in 2018.
Nice pedigree laden with stamina. He is bound to improve with maturity and distance indeed.
How about a matchup between your longshot and my maiden Fromanothamutha … just for the fun of it…
Not sure what can we bet but it will be fun to zoom in both against the highly regarded Mo Donegal, Zandon and Judge Davis.
OK! The maiden has a decided pace advantage. In addition, his 2nd-place finish to Mo D and that 3rd-place finisher Life Is Great came back to win by 6 3/4 lengths at 7f will likely lower his odds from the ML. On the other hand, the colt that finished third in Eloquist’s win came back to win at 1m 70yds by 9 lengths in a MSW at Parx, defeating shippers from New York, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Surprise, surprise! The 7-5 and 6-5 favorites came in one-two. Eloquist was DEAD on the tote board. I think he went off at more than 20-1. An exciting race to watch, though.
And Midnight Chrome (By California Chrome out of Tipsy at Midnight, Damsire Midnight Lute) held on for third at 42-1 odds.
He was my first toss. LOL
Yes I have noticed that quite a few of the professional handicapping sites are tossing the Chrome progeny, Same with California Angel. in the Jessamine. I think she had the longest odds, something like 30-1 and she won the race which was her ticket to the BC Juvenile fillies.
The debate regarding Medina Spirit’s distorted profile; his pending KD disqualification and the sanction imposed on trainer Bob Baffert who is constantly under suspicion, is unlikely to end anytime soon.
Haven’t the racing public seen this movie recently? Shouldn’t racing public be better able to objectively assess this current case? Are we not 2 years removed from the disqualification of KD winner Maximum Security? He had even a more intriguing back story than Medina Spirit, with his debut win in a $16K maiden claimer. His trainer Jason Servis was likewise under a cloud of suspicion for his win %. He was subsequently indicated along with others on several charges detrimental to the sport.
There was widespread disagreement with the stewards’ decision to disqualify Maximum Security. REASON – The infraction wasn’t flagrant enough to warrant a disqualification. Many viewed the minor veering outside his lane as impacting fading opponents. It couldn’t have been known at the time, that the colt’s disqualification would emerge as an act of poetic justice. It was subsequently discovered that Maximum Security likely entered the KD as an enhanced entrant.
There is widespread disagreement that Medina Spirit shouldn’t be disqualified. REASON- The minuscule amount of the medication detected in the overage wasn’t sufficient enhance his performance. Could the almost certain disqualification of Medina Spirit be another act of Father Time metering out poet justice?
Trainer Jason Servis enjoyed a win% in the twilight of his career that raised red flags. Despite these red flags none of his horses tested positive for either banned substances or performance enhancing agents. He took a debutant maiden claiming winner through the Derby Trail undefeated and untested into the KD. In winning the KD, Maximum Security defeated a trio of entrants from the barn of KD king Bob Baffert. The trio included Champion 2YO Game Winner, SA Derby winner Roadster and post time favorite Improbable.
Whilst the Stewards were deliberating, turf writers were busy researching the history books in preparation for their stories on this unlikely winning combination. But unfortunately, the story that was written related to the 2nd disqualification in KD history and its validity. Lost in the disqualification debacle was the feat achieved by the unlikeliest of trainers with a horse who started its career in the claiming division.
Maximum Security’s win in the Saudi Cup was seen as redemption for his unwarranted disqualification in the KD. His Saudi performance exposed the decision of those evil Stewards. But all that glitters isn’t gold. Before the Saudi cup purse was disbursed, Jason Servis along with others was indicated on several charges detrimental to the sport. The charges included the administration of performance enhancing agents to horses under his keep and care. What can be gleaned from the Jason Servis case?
If a small unheralded trainer was able to obtain and administer non detectable performance enhancing drugs. What’s the likelihood that big, powerful and well-run operations are not engaging in same? The performance of some horses from big operation are extremely suspect. But there haven’t been any reports of positives for enhancers. The tests that were
conducted on Maximum after the scandal, revealed no trace elements of an enhancer. The absence of a positive doesn’t equate to the absence of enhancement.
After Authentic defeated Tiz The Law. The connections of Tiz The Law were very skeptical about Authentic’s performance. Nowhere in the 2 colts PPs’ was there any indication that Authentic who was easily beaten by Honon A P and fully extended to hold off NY Traffic, was any danger to Tiz The Law. But he repelled his stubborn stretch challange. The connections of of BCC favorite Shared Belief witnessed a stamina challanged Bayern leave the gates like a tornado causing a chain reaction of infractions. His erratic action put to rest any chance Share Belief had of winning. Despite an inquiry that lasted forever. Bayern was not disqualified.
With continuing debate regarding validity of the pending disqualification of Medina Spirit and the sanction imposed on Bob Baffert. It is worthwhile remembering the post KD skepticism voiced by the connections of Tiz The Law. Likewise, the fury of the connecntions of Shared Belief when a souped-up Bayern casued a chain reaction of infrations that knocked their entrant out of contention.
Poet Justice is the form imposed by Father Time. Our burden is to recognize and acknowledge when it is imposed.
Ironic that your “constantly under suspicion” trainer—turned out to be the trainer who helped legitimize Maximum Security, after his original trainer was caught in the Federal probe! Bob put Max into his program…hard works with stakes types.. .won some important races.
Perhaps a little more cheese to go with your persistent whine?
Bloomberg deals reporting “Churchill Downs to Explore Sale of Betting Unit TwinSpires” today.
I would deeply appreciate it if some well versed in CDI culture could please let me know if the track is at risk of being also sold.
Thanks is advance !
Has the ‘Spirit’ of the time become just making big bucks using horse racing and then sell the Tracks ? is horse racing now a Real State business?
Don’t know what to think…
I guess nobody has any inside information. 🙂
excellent article ty no matter what I loved the race
Well on the sunny, bright side of things.
If you get a chance, watch the video of Contrail’s retirement ceremony. He is one gorgeous stallion and what an awesome pedigree. So hoping he will carry on Deep Impact’s legacy. Just love the passion that the Japanese have for horse racing and their horses. On a side note, his dam’s grand dam (Contrive) was by Storm Cat and his grand dam was by Tiznow.
Winx has been confirmed in foal to Pierro. Should be a good match. Another handsome stallion with an awesome pedigree and race record. Wishing her the very, very best!
Gun Runner has set a new record for progeny earnings for a first-crop sire when his total moved past the $3.8-million mark Sunday. Coolmore’s Uncle Mo held the previous record of $3,717,490, which he established in 2015. Prior to Uncle Mo, the first-crop progeny earnings record had been held by Gainesway’s Tapit. This just delights me to no end that he is seeing so much early success the breeding shed. I fell in love with Gun Runner in the run up to the Kentucky Derby.
Gun Runner didn’t miss a beat from the track to the breeding farm. Practical Joke had a good year, too.
Do you consider his 5th place finish in the Haskell as an occasion on which he missed a beat? He finished 3rd by 15L behind Arrogate in the Travers. He made the board but by some distance. He finished 4th in the Kentucky Jockey Club.
The above 3 race after really the only blemishes on his otherwise excellent record.
I thought he was talking about his HOY year. The last year he raced.
Gun Runner – Mares bred 171; Live Foals 130
Uncle Mo – Mares bred 211; Live foals 167
When freshman stallions are well supported they are likely to lead the pack with progeny earning. In many instances it takes either one or two outstanding progenies to to propell freshman stallions to the record.
Once again, I will be away until Saturday, so I will not be able to reply to comments until then.
Good evening Mr. Haskin: Thank you for once again bringing to the fore front the back story on such a dynamic horse and yet I felt like there are few more things that I’m sure others are “feeling” or enlisting the emotions to regarding medina spirit as well. I would like to ask your opinion on these items because I feel you have a great pulse not only of the industry but also of the general public which sometimes does and sometimes does not understand the depth of the severity of the decisions that will be made regarding this colt and his subsequent and future career in racing and as a potential stallion prospect should he be allowed to keep his Kentucky derby win.
1) First personally I have a note of disagreement versus the way you state the evidence of MS in the text make sure that it is VERY clear that the likely source of the betamethasone both in Medina Spirit as well as his fellow barn mates over the past few years are most likely NOT the result of the smoking skin creme that was introduced as a diversion in an attempt to lessen the severity of the actions of the crime as it likely occured as it did with his barn mates via Injection as it was discovered that in fact his urine was just as compromised as his barn mates were in previous infractions of that route already a matter of public hearing and adjudicated accordingly against the same trainer as well. Those facts are clear and this is a procedural violation both in the application of the barns pre race medical regimen as well as control limits in place in the barn. Just don’t spin the version of the story that we were served that originated in the board game CLUE as it was definately not the vet with jar of creme in the shedrow at Churchill Downs that committed the rule violation. In fact if the creme actually even existed it most assuredly would have been content checked and never trace positive risked application to a derby runner and if you truly believe that then you must have missed all the Maryland testing and now must call the Maryland testing laboratory a complete joke as they did not confirm the presence of the creme when in fact he should have still been glowing positive on the dates of their testing versus known withdrawal guidelines and knowing the smoking creme was still being used post derby until magically it was discovered after the urine was cloudy ….. remember he had a skin condition and there was mandated groom instructions to treat the horse with creme… yeah trust me this part is all diversion don’t allow your superior writing to be tarnished with spin derivatives of what actually happened trust me each and every horseman and vet knows the truth and it can NOT improve the image of the trainer who made a great error in failing to adjust his practice of using controlled substances.
2) the repeated reference to MS as it relates to his relative 3yo classmates let’s not forget two other glaring miscarriages of racing strategy that MS was also a victim of by racing for his trainer he was forced to intentionally “rate” off the pace of life is good in the derby prep. Clearly MS was not asked or ridden for his best performance this day and it personally infuriated me as it was painfully obvious and as it is a clear violation of the rules of racing when riders do not ride with the intention to win the race it also does not indicate the horses true ability in that running line and although accolades can be given for allowing the baffert runners to run without compromising each other in the prep it was clearly MS who was not allowed his best performance. Amazing now that same horse then emerges in the Kentucky derby and is allowed to use his gifts not on display in the life is good race to subsequently wire his class mates to become the heir apparent to the champion 3yo claim but alas he was “dirty” so the performance is an asterisk and knowing that it is an asterisk performance all subsequent performances are required to be scrutinized. Then in an attempt to “duck” the class mates where he could have and was able to race he must be given a pass for not attending races with NYRA pre injunction . To finally
3) amazing how the same skill set “taught” by baffert and JV when reserved off LIG is used to bag the second place money in the breeders cup classic versus Knicks Go, once again defeating his class mates. This performance he doesn’t have an asterisk on so is it enough to warrant a divisional honor, to be honest absolutely an emphatic “NO “ from me but it is only because one performance can’t be the basis point for division honors. His other races were not on the level of his class mates. I did find it ironic that it was the race that infuriated me that gave him the foundation to defeat them however
Finally it is catastrophic the asterisk race which unfortunately ruin the fairy tale story that in fact still exists for the breeder and the new mare owner as well. The horse provided he continues to race effectively will be considered moving forward based on his merits barring further incidence by
Here is hoping that every one else truly believed the smoke in mirrors CLUE creme offered up to distract everyone from what in fact was a similar positive to others implicated in previous rulings a matter of the record
Keep up the outstanding writing ❤️❤️
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I was hoping to make this column about the horse, the courage he showed in most of his races, and how he is perceived by the public and the history books. It was not my intention for the one brief mention of the skin cream to ignite, or should I say re-ignite, any discussions and accusations of lies, deceptions, and as you say diversions to cover up more sinister actions. I am not privy to inside sources as you seem to be, being you speak in facts and not conjecture like everyone else, so I can only go by what I have read. I admit there are several unanswered questions regarding this case, but right now that’s all they are, questions. Until it is proven MS was given a cream as a diversion from being injected I am in no position to make such claims. You can do so if you wish. You may be right in everything you say and I may be ignorant to what really transpired, just as the Arkansas Racing Commission may have been when it reversed Baffert’s suspension and DQ’s of his two horses due to lidocaine contamination. I did not defend Baffert in the case of MS; I only inferred, based on what I have read, that an application of a skin cream by itself was not likely to enhance MS’s performance to the extent that he was able to defeat the best 3-year-olds in the country in the Kentucky Derby and would not have without the cream. If the cream was merely a diversion as you claim then I would hope that will eventually be proven so that this case can have closure. Until then I can only go by what has been reported and claimed by Baffert, who it would seem, according to you and other accusers, has just recently decided to cheat with innocuous drugs like lidocaine and betamethasone after almost 30 years of non violations. Again, I am not saying you are wrong. I am just saying nothing has been proven yet other than the overage in the blood test by whatever means. As for your other claims of John Velazquez not trying to win as instructed as opposed to MS simply not being better or faster than Life is Good and Knicks Go is your opinion and you are entitled to it. That has no bearing on this column, which I will again remind you is about Medina Spirit. And the fact that you and other people have overlooked that and have concentrated solely on betamethasone is the reason I wrote it. I will close by saying I hope the truth comes out either way.
Mr. H,
“I was hoping to make this column about the horse, the courage he showed in most of his races, and how he is perceived by the public and the history books.”
Whilst I fully understand your motive as described above. I still cannot understand why you have perceived Medina Spirit as displaying the kind of courage that a person with your knowledge deemed it deserving of special mention. As usual this isn’t an attempt to annoy or offend you but rather to see if I can see the measure you used to arrive at your exceptional courage assertion.
Medina Spirit won the Bob Lewis by a NK. He repelled the challenges from 2 opponents in the stretch. Was that a display of courage or an even money favorite underperforming. He stubbornly held off the late surge of the 11/1 Roman Centurian who was a last out MSW winner making his stakes debut. How much courage does it take hold off a last out MDW winner being the 1/1 favorite with stakes experience? Hot Rod Charlie likewise under performed in the Lewis given his 2nd place finish in the BCJ.
I wouldn’t disagree that MS displayed some amount of courage in his KD win by 1/2L. But so did Mandaloun to hold for 2nd. The biggest display of courage had to be from Essential Quality given his less-than-ideal trip. Authentic displayed real courage to hold off Tiz The Law for his KD win. Tiz The Law was the short price favorite and top rated entrant in the field. Mandaloun was returning from a 9L beat down in the LA Derby. He was only beaten by a 1/2L
Medina Spirit won2 races in which his exceptional what can be deemed courage was on display i.e., the Lewis and KD. What kind of courage did he show in the San Felipe, SA Derby and Preakness? He was beaten a combined 18L in the aforementioned races.
He won the Share Belief by 1 1/4L over Rock Your World who was beaten a combined 42L in the KD and Belmont. How much courage does a 4/5 favorite need to display to defeat ehat emerged to be his best opponent that is clearly not a dirt horse?
He won the Awesome Again by 5 /12L over a modest group of older opponents. There was no display of courage in that race. He won as most 1/1 favorite should.
MS runner up finish in the BCC didn’t involve a lot of courage. On a speed bias surface his tactical speed was used to his benefit. He finished 3/4L ahead of Essential Quality who displayed far more courage given the disadvantages he faces.
I would never compare my assessment skills to yours. But given my overview of MS’s races. The courage you have cited isn’t sufficiently on display and certainly not deserving to be referenced as a significant part of the colt’s profile.
Steve some people are just in a lynching mood. I’m reminded of the terror in the French Revolution. People fail to remember that those who put up the guillotine also eventually went to it. I’m not a Baffert apologist I’m just waiting for a decision. I might like it I might not but its not in anybody’s power to change it . So everybody CHILL OUT
The horse is dq’d…………
So will you payoff my 5 winning trifecta tickets ?
Dang. Someone has taken conjecture, speculation, suspicion, persumption and hypothesis to a whole new level. Here is a person that sees the color of white and says it is black.
LOL. I’ll take Conjecture, Speculation, Suspicion, and Presumption in an exacta box. Perhaps Hypothesis will develop after more experience.
It is the first time I see someone “infuriated” because two Hall of Fame professionals are just excelling at their jobs.
We have heard many times this theory of Medina Spirit living under the shadow of Life is Good… the problem is that it may happen that every other horse could be eclipsed by the brilliant son of Into Mischief sooner than later…!
Most intriguing is how a Puerto Rican is denigrating a true pride of “La Isla del Encanto” like Johny V.
Anyways, at least the Horse Owner shows some diplomacy in his writing style, otherwise he is free to feel what ever feelings feed his own ego.
It’s an old trick…saying something nice at the start and at the end, but in between being a complete d**k. So who do you think the poster is? Is it based on the screen name? As you know, anyone can type any name for a comment to this blog.
I suspect It is the name of a racing stable based in Puerto Rico (Hipodromo El Comandante).
His regular ruse.
In other words it is the conclusion, belief or feeling formed on the basis on incomplete information…or the suppostion or proposed explanation using a lack of evidence.
No need to explain. My reply was intended as a compliment about your word choices.
I mean….Medina wired the 2021 Derby….but that doesn’t mean he was wrangled back off of Life Is Good, in the Lewis, or for that matter Knicks Go, in the Classic—-I don’t know if there is ANY horse that could run early with LIG, for a two turn race, and be around at the finish—I certainly wouldn’t call it cheating, to sit back off of a faster animal, and had they BOTH shot out of there, and burned each other out—I’m not sure you wouldn’t be crying foul, for THAT!
Bravo Matthew … I was about to reply with the same sort of logic…
The Puerto Rican owner who post this long criticism is just insulting the skills and intelligence of Johny Velazquez … no less!
You must be an owner…….because you give bad info. Typing alot of words, doesn’t make you smart, or right…..
Testing today is amazing……you somehow think MD is horrible?…..what?…..this shows your lack of intelligence.
Why do you believe the horse had an injection?…..this is ridiculous. Why would it not be on the records?….there is not 1 reason to not have it on the records. IT’S LEGAL! a vet WOULD NEVER LEAVE IT OFF THE RECORD. This was not cheating. wouldnt help the horse run faster. You think he is the only one that uses Ottomax?…..you are wrong. This medication really should not have showed up…but you are too black and white about it not being possible. This is obvious to me, a case of CONTAMINATION. Was it the Ottomax? I won’t say yes or no……could horse have ingested it?….who knows………
Again…..Your injection narrative sucks…….we do not use it days before race…..we use it closer to after a race….this is why Gamine used it 18 days out …….that should have never showed up ……..so that one was probably contamination…..18 days?….no way….Beta is gone in 5 usually 18 is way too long…..
No one in the US uses Scope…….no one races with LIDO…..it goes away too quickly anyway…..
Race tracks and teat barn and testing facilities are prone to contamination……they need to raise the tiny amounts, to a margin for error….
“They don’t like Baffert because he wins”
The above deserves a Christopher Hitchens.
‘That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.’
From 2003 to 2014 Bob Baffert didn’t win the KD, despite being represented by 7-8 entrants. At that point did CD’s hate for BB’ winning commence?
Bob Baffert has won 3 of the last 5 KDs. Is it to be assumed that CD’s hate covered this?
Waye Lukas won 3 of the 5 KDs contested from 1995 to 1999. Did CD hate Wayne Lukas because he was winning those KD?
Interesting. You quote Hitchens, then proceed to ignore his excellent advice. LOL
Magnus Carlsen passed his drug test
OFF-TOPIC POST
In the DRF’s 2yo c/g rankings, Dan Illman lists the following: 1) Corniche, 2) Jack Christopher, 3) Rattle N Roll, 4) Messier, 5) Major General, 6) Smile Happy
I don’t have any major disagreement about the top 3, but Messier and Major General ahead of Smile Happy????
(Getting a bit weary of the medication discussion. 🙁 )
Hey Eddie:
Not sure how often they update lists like that at DRF, although the addition of Smile Happy has to be pretty recent. Messier I can see, but not Major General. He’s too slow. (Now he’ll jump up and win the Kentucky Derby just to spite me.)
Anticipating a future Haskins column, MY top six is:
1 Corniche
2 Commandperformance
3 Jack Christopher
4 Messier
5 Smile Happy
6 Shipsational
Granted, I’m still getting acclimated to Smile Happy. Messier really impressed me in his last win. I’ll watch Smile’s rerun again.
Fun Fact: this horse has the same initials as STEVE HASKIN. Coincidence, or not?
Hi, Ms. B. Those rankings were the ones updated today. Smile Happy is as professional a juvenile as any I’ve seen this year. Messier could turn out to be a really good one, but he won a G3 7f race vs three rivals.
Add Shipsational (1st two letters are Steve’s initials) to your Smile Happy fun fact and you have a Haskin exacta special!
My list would have to include Pappacap (Gun Runner x Papascap (damsire Scat Daddy). There are also several other Gun Runner progeny that I am watching closely.
I would definitely have Pappacap in my top 5.
There is a big difference this year between top ranked 2-year-olds and Derby Rankings, especially with the Baffert situation . Next week’s column is about one aspect of next year’s Derby Rankings in that it will reveal a lot, but far from everything. P.S. it’s not quite as thought out as Eddie’s initials system. Lol
Yes, I’ll second you, Steve. From what I’ve concluded thus far “[t]here’s a big difference this year between top ranked 2-year-olds and Derby rankings.” Moreover, I’d be giving Major General a much better chance of running 10f. than most of the other fancied runners. Time, will tell.
Hey, Davids. No doubt there are two common types of rankings. One type looks at past performance and the other looks at potential performance. As you know, the DRF ranking is the former while Steve’s forthcoming ranking looks at Derby potential. I’m much more comfortable judging horses by what they’ve done to date, probably because I’m so bad at predicting results months out. Regarding Major General, you may be correct about his potential at 10f. But for now, because his 3/4-length stakes win was way back in mid-September, we can see that his opponents in that race have not fared well in subsequent starts.
I detect in your post a background in journalism or scholarly writing (i.e., the bracketed and lowercase “t”). There’s no need to confirm if you’d rather not. 🙂
Eddie, I’m not sure how acquainted you are with various bloodlines but, to some extent, they offer you a means of following a certain progression to the final extent of a horses ability. Precocious types, late developing types etc. For me, DRF are overly reliant on Beyer Speed Figures in determining the better horses. Trust ‘your’ eye over numbers.
With Major General, on bloodlines alone, the anticipation of improvement from 2 year old to 3 year old is predicted to be extremely high while the extended distances in Derby preps appears advantageous as well compared to the others mentioned above. That’s the game – what you ‘see’ in the future. Racing is not static.
Funnily enough, I am actually working in academia at present due to the covid crisis.
Esteemed Professor Davids, please know that I take no stock in the DRF ranking. I just wanted to point out the perplexing positioning of Smile Happy. You are probably right that they (he?) rely too much on BSFs. But my comment in the prior post was only to differentiate between a ranking of past performance (I assume with no consideration of future events) and a ranking of Derby potential, like Steve’s Derby Rankings.
As for bloodlines, I rely on the wisdom of the blog host and the contributors to the comment section. I get a serious headache and hangover when I combine the PPs with a shot of 5-cross pedigree. For me, pedigrees are useful to make guesses at this early stage. But when it’s Derby time, there are more than enough indications based on 3yo performance without having to analyze pedigrees. At least that’s how I approach the Derby. What’s happening now is just fun. March and April, for me, is when things get serious.
Yes, Eddie, I gathered your meaning in the original post. With pedigrees, after sometime, eventually you will be able to place an image/race record to every name in the pedigree along with the pros and cons to that mating. Sales results etc. Subsequently, pedigree should be more meaningful to your structured betting and enjoyment of horse racing.
Hi Davids,
Re your comment about trusting your eye over “numbers”, I’ve read that sentiment many times on this forum and others. I know we’d all prefer this to be true (about ourselves) but, more often than not it’s probably otherwise. For example, try sometime to view a (TV) race without the sound, and try to avoid receiving any background on the race beforehand. When the race completes, ask yourself what was the class level of the race just seen. I think you’d all too often be disappointed. I think it takes many, many years to hone better accuracy in this regard, and even then surprises abound. Another good example would be to view racing post races and then try to immediately access the winner’s, etc. rpr and/or time form rating. Trust me, many surprises to be had when its much later viewed retrospectively. All in all, humbling experience.
Yes, sceptre, I agree with you entirely. I left out the part that it will take you quite a while to hone the skilled ‘eye,’ as it may dissuade Eddie from further endeavor down this path. I’ve been watching horse racing for over 50 years and I know you outmatch me. A more profound knowledge of certain families, lines etc makes racing more enjoyable and intriguing. Granted, that luck is supreme.
Pappacap is definitely in my top 5.
Commandperformance contested his 2nd Gl in the BCJ. Giant Game was making his graded stake debut and as a last out MSW winner. he easily ran by Commandperformance.
How can Commandperformance be ranked #2 and Giant Game doesn’t make the list?
Umm, Coldfacts? This is just my personal list.
We all provide personal lists that are likely to generate comments/replies. Aren’t personal lists supposed to take into account pertinent facts.
In any event you never answered my question. The reason it was posed I consider legitimate. Commandperformance was noted finishing 2nd to Jack Christopher the #1 rated colt in the country. He was forwardly placed in the BCJ and was passed by opponents closing off the pace. One such opponents was Giant Game.
A last out MSW winner was only beaten by two opponents that had previously won graded stakes and were contesting their 2nd & 3rd stakes.
I am not sure what criteria you use to compile your list but the above bit of information has to considered pertinent and consequently shouldn’t be dismissed.
Quite good; one of your better posts.
I don’t often quote Wikipedia directly, but I think that its definition of an Internet troll is excellent:
“In internet slang, a troll is a person who posts inflammatory, insincere, digressive,[1] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.), a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog), with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses,[2] or manipulating others’ perception. This is typically for the troll’s amusement, or to achieve a specific result such as disrupting a rival’s online activities or manipulating a political process.”
Best to ignore the creatures.
Good work Eddie.
Thanks, Mike.
I believe that the key is how one delivers his or her opinion.
The problem is that some use contrarian approaches, other confrontational and inflammatory styles, maybe as a way to draw attention or due their own physiological profile.
The reality is that they can just deliver their opinions in a more conciliatory (or neutral) way… but it is not in their character to change… I guess…!
Who knows… perhaps their shrinks just threw the towel there!
I doubt that the resident trolls are truly interested in offering any sort of opinions. They want to disrupt and draw reactions. They likely get off on exchanges like this, too. Our bad!
You may be right…
What you mean with “get off on exchanges like this” ? … shall we ask their opinion without causing a blog rage?…
What we SHOULD do is not reply to their posts and not discuss their behavior (as we’re doing now!). LOL
Roger that
Whatever their psychological issues may be, it’s as much about the receiver as it is the giver.
You are right Sceptre in that I can only control my reaction/behavior after reading singular outlooks.
I respect your gravitas as a horseman and remember how in the past you enquired someone many times to name the horses he owns to prove he was a “horseman” with “great knowledge” … those discussion were intense to say the least.
I see that you have succeeded in fostering respectful and meaningful exchanges here… you are to be commended for that.
However, the clash of egos is sometimes inevitable. Paradoxically, those heated clashes are the ones that we best remember …!
You chose, apparently to lash back, assuming my comment was directed to you personally, which it was not. Instead, my observation was in response to your very first line (which I thought would be understood):-” I believe that the key is how one delivers his or her opinion.” I also believe that you mistaking me for another re- your recollection of my supposedly enquiring to someone many times “to name the horses he owns to prove he was a horseman with great knowledge…” That’s not my style, and I defy you to cite your reference. You seem rather fixated with the ego issue. Perhaps a bit too close to home?
My intent was not to lash back but to reinforce the idea of the two-way communication process.
There was another Sceptre in the past posting regularly under Steve Haskin blogs in the Bloodhorse.com site… I wrongfully assumed you were him… sorry about that!
No wonder I found the style so different…! Please, receive my sincere apologies for the mix-up…
regarding the ego … it is the only reason I can explain why I get irritated when someone misquote or misrepresent me on purpose…!
All Good!
Nelson, just to be clear- I did often post under the pseudonym sceptre on Steve’s BloodHorse blog. Incidentally, I can vaguely remember someone badgering another to name the horses they own, but trust me, it wasn’t I. Guilty, though, as far as having gotten into heated debates at times. particularly when I sense attempts at history re-writes, or when I see my “idols” such as Buckpasser downplayed.
You have been high on Smile Happy since his impressive maiden win. I must concur that his ranking at #6 makes absolutely no sense.
Thanks, CF. But I didn’t say it made absolutely no sense. I was puzzled, that’s all.
At this juncture I can just offer you my watch list by Trainer. My rankings will start end of January though meanwhile I am doing this bottom down approach to keep me abreast of the early trail.
Ken McPeek: Smile Happy (Runhappy), Rattle N Roll (Connect), Tiz the Bomb (Hit It a Bomb)
Steve Asmussen: Chasing Time (Not This Time), American Xperiment (Nyquist), Classic Moment (Classic Empire)
Brad Cox: Cyberknife, Rocket Dawg (Classic Empire), Home Brew (Street Sense)
Mark Casse: Pappacap (Gun Runner)
Chad Brown: Zandon (Upstart)
Todd Pletcher: Commandperformance (Union Rags), Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo), Major General (Constitution), Varatti (Into Mischief), Wit (Practical Joke), Power Agenda (Nyquist)
Dale Romans: Howling Time (Not this Time), Giant Game (Giant’s Causeway)
Bill Mott: Graphic Detail (Practical Joke)
Graham Motion: Zatip (Tapit)
Keith Desormeaux: Oviatt Class (Bernardini)
Wesley Ward: Nakatomi (Firing Line)
Tom Amoss: Kevin’s Folly (Distorted Humor)
Richard Mandella: Forbidden Kingdom (American Pharoah)
Nice list and interesting approach to come up with one.
Thanks Lynda… my challenge there is to forecast who is going to progress at faster pace over four months or so.
The majority in that list shows proper pedigrees for the Classics… but I will be separating them with every Stakes.
i.e. this Saturday we will have Mo Donegal, Zandon and Judge Davis showing who is best at this stage of the game… and who proves to have more upside potential as well…!
A very comprehensive list, Nelson. What do you think about Saffie Joseph’s White Abarrio? The sire, Race Day (by Tapit), had limited success before being sent to Korea last year. But White Abarrio looks like a runner that may improve.
I was impressed by his show in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes rebreaking to pass Howling Time and Ben Diesel.
He is not in my list (for now) due to limited stamina range in his pedigree. Great for Gulfstream though !
You are right in the sense that he is a good one going forward. As you know, there is a customary question mark on him:
Will he be able to sustain his great speed over the Classic distance? We will see.
A question, for sure.
A question that is ‘half’ answered, for instance, by Smile Happy… he got the physique, mentality and pedigree of a horse who can run any distance.
Forgive me being a broken record but I cannot help it to become excited by seeing speed reinforced by stamina in the dam side… a (success) formula that was engrained for ever in the collective memory thanks to the great Secretariat.
Love Pleasant Colony and Relaunch in the family… they have produced great 1 1/4 runners in the likes of Pleasantly Perfect, Behrens, Colonial Affair, ST Jovite, Pleasant Tap; and With Anticipation, Waquoit and Skywalker…
It just goes into neon lights the names of His Majesty and Graustark (full brothers by Ribot) in Smile Happy’s fourth generation… all these traits seen in Smile Happy give me license to drop a bunch of horses out my short list.
That is good to know! You should be warned, though, that I’ve probably NEVER pegged a maiden winner in October that got close to being in the Derby winner’s circle.
I gather that Barbaro and War Emblem broke their maiden in October…not sure if that is your enquiry though.
… but in reality no Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes winner has won the Derby except Super Saver .
It is one of the thrills of following prospects… some are destined to write (a new) history and other are just written off by it…
I meant that I don’t recall ever seeing a 2yo break his maiden in October (or earlier), said to anyone who would listen, “This could be a Derby winner!”, and then six months later see him in the winner’s circle on the first Saturday in May. I’m sure I’ve said it about quite a few.
I didn’t see Jack Christopher, on the list. Interesting to note the odds for his sire were twice as high in the futures, so if you liked Jack—the wagering value doubled, if you played his sire, instead.
Good observation Matthew… I don’t like to use this word but, as off today, he is toss to me.
Don’t ask me why but I see him as another Jackie’s Warrior providing the son of Munnings is 100% healthy by year end.
* a toss
I pray that Medina Spirit keeps his title, the trace of drug was so miniscule that it had no effect on his ability. He has shown under tight security that he is a derby winner and then some.
Steve, I happen to have Grand Jury Duty for the next 3 months and I see a correlation between that and this debate on Medina’s DQ. I see that some people are treating this like a Petit Jury where you determine guilt or innocents. I’m looking at it as a Grand Juror whether to indict. If indicted you are still innocent till proven guilty. The only people who have any say in this are the KHRC and they were appointed by whoever the people of Kentucky voted for to appoint them. The litigation in this matter is maddening but it is Baffert’s and Zendan’s right to do and if you throw that away were all done for. We have a system and some of us don’t like it then change it legally with your elected officials. I just hope all the evidence is released to the public!
Good analogy…but 3 months???
Actually 4 months , twice a month. I’m rereading the Book of Genesis to be prepared. I’m seeing almost every sin committed by man!
If you take any medication during your jury service to promote alertness and concentration, you’ll have a distinct advantage over the jurors who are unmedicated.
Yes, as of now Medina Spirit is the 2021 Kentucky Derby champion….while Churchill Downs will not, as they declare, make another step with regard to order of finish until the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission completes its investigation. Churchill Downs has suspended Baffert for two years and won’t recognize any points for his horses gained for the both the 2022/2023 Derby and Oaks.
Churchill Downs might have boxed themselves into a corner with this one as for not giving Baffert his due process yet waiting the KHRC to issue a ruling…inconsistency at best.
That said, if the KHRC announces that Medina Spirit’s medication issue was the resulting of mitigating circumstances and sees no reason to reverse the result what does Churchill Downs do next? And the NYRA?
All excellent points and shows the dysfunction of racing, especially Churchill Downs. And NYRA has already looked foolish banning Baffert and having it reversed in court, yet theyre still trying to.
“Churchill Downs might have boxed themselves into a corner with this one as for not giving Baffert his due process yet waiting the KHRC to issue a ruling…inconsistency at best.”
Why have you concluded that CD has boxed Itself into a corner?
CD’s signature race for 3YO fillies’ is the Kentucky Oaks. Gamine returned a medication overage in the 2020 renewal and was disqualified.
CD’s signature race for 3YO colts, geldings and fillies’ is the Kentucky Derby. Medina Spirit returned a medication overage in the 2021 renewal. His disqualification is pending.
In successive years horses trained by Bob Baffert returned medication overages. No other trainer has such a distinction. Gamine’s overage at CD was preceded by an overage at OK Park. Charlatan also returned an overage at OK Park. Baffert wasn’t banned for Gamine’s overage. But he must have known that there was no margin for error going forwards.
Upon the discovery that MS returned a positive. Bob Baffert went ballistic with some disparaging comments in media blitz. He fell short of accusing CD of sabotage and envy. He emphatically and adamantly stated that the medication was never administered to the colt. As result it was an attempt to cancel him. He subsequently acknowledged that the drug was administered and provided another of his buzzard story equivalent, to the dog eat my homework.
Did Bob give CD due process before his sabotage and envy judgement? Bob has history of overages with 5 in the 12 months leading up to the 2021 KD. The accusation against CD were totally unwarranted and misguided. When two horses Bob’s barn return positives, in signature races at CD. Bob must have realized he was in trouble and further aggravating the situation was not a good option. What exactly did he expect after his accusations?
CD didn’t have to give BB due process and as he gave the entity none before reaching his conclusion. When you are a repeat offender, penalties are more severe. Bob is the one that boxed himself into a corner with his multiple overages and ridiculous stories.
Yawn.
Again, try to get to the facts. It was the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission that ruled on Gamine and gave Baffert a $1500 fine and not Churchill Downs.
Second, there are no official charges against by the KHRC against Medina Spirit and Baffert as yet.
Third, the Arkansas Racing Commission restored the victories by both MS and Charlatan.
Fourth, Baffert did acknowledge that Otomax was a topical ointment prescribe by vets.
Fifth, due process is part of the law.
Now, what part of this do you not understand?
Did you read the press release by CD Inc.? If so, you should be aware of detailed reasons provided for the severe sanction imposed.
Irrespective of how the fans of BB chose to spin this issue. He is the author of his problems. How many trainers are associated with horses that have returned overages in the KY Oaks and KY Deby in consecutive years. This occurrence is unprecedented.
CD prohibited the use of Lasix in its signature races. CD is endeavoring to restore the KY Derby to international standard as it relates to Race Day Medications. It must have been grossly disturbing that a trainer amongst those with a long rap sheet of violations and other disturbing patterns. Was the one whose entrant returned the 2nd medication violation in the history of the race.
The KD is watched and wagered my millions worldwide. It isn’t just another stakes for 3YO. It is the premier dirt race for 3YOs in the world. Anything that is likely to tarnish the integrity of this race will invariably result in severe sanctions. The fact that BB’s 2020 Oaks entrant was disqualified for a similar overage can be viewed aa a pattern.
Why the criticism of CD Inc., decision? The burden was on every trainer to ensure KD entrants’ post-race test doesn’t reflect a breach medication levels. Bob didn’t meet his burden. But CD inc., is the bad guy. It was grossly embarrassing what Bob did after the overage was discovered. He deserves the sanction imposed
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Pretty good info by Cynthia……….
One woman talks about the “steroids” Medina was given…..talking like it was anabolic steroids….very bad info and misleading.
One talks about bob getting off because of a “patch” worn by Jimmy…….bad info……they orig. thought it might have, but they came out later and said it wasnt from a patch….he didnt use one……..many horses had contamination that day…
No one uses LIDO on race day……..NO ONE……why even talk about it?……it leaves body too quickly to work…
Another one obviously READ or GOOGLED info….talking about 3 days and testing….Well, we don’t do it 3 days out…..bad info……the other failed test failed after records saying 18 days out it was given….the window is 14…….it usually is always out in 5-7 days…..
Ottomax is used all over……everyone knows what is in it……..it should not have shown up……….
Pretty much all of these issues are probably some kind of contamination….none make any sense…..a horse should not fail a test after 18 days…..it just makes no sense..
None of the overs, has anything to do with cheating….there is no advantage …..these do not help a horse win……
What most people are getting wrong is why there is a rule……it has nothing to do with making a horse run faster……It is a rule FOR HORSE SAFETY……….. We need to make PED’s failed tests……..not therapeutics……..obviously “fans” hear failed tests and think CHEATING……you need to have fines for therapeutics, and call them something else…
This would end all of the confusion…..”bob’s a cheat”? All over these blogs……No…..none of this is an attempt to cheat
Thank you for a well stated comprehensive post without making it personal
Surprise, but I wouldn’t call it well stated. For example- “…it should not have shown up…” is ambiguous. “…None make any sense” is ambiguous. And, therapeutics can help a horse win. There is a real difference between therapeutics and other substances that are not therapeutic but also broadly could be deemed performance enhancing, but he doesn’t explain this.
And, what EddieF suggests here is quite valid- As to the health/well-being of the horse: it can be a greater harm to over utilize some therapeutics, which can often cause permanent joint damage, or worse. The testing today is only an indirect effort to curtail that dangerous practice. Certainly a proven overage on race day should be dealt with harshly.
And, assuming you’re on est, 1:49 am is way too late to be responding to these posts, especially at our age.
The narrative…..is that these were CHEATING. Have you not seen this all over every blog? The punishments should be way way different.
yes none should have shown up post race…..the gamine 18 days?….no way……..the ointment really shouldnt either….no one uses scope and no one uses lido in a race
Look, it doesn’t really matter whether we call it a performance enhancer, or not. Intra-articular steroid injections can be abused AS A QUICK FIX, for example. Their duration of action isn’t indefinite, which is reason why they are race day tested for potential overages. An overage would indicate that the horse received the treatment too near to a race date such that the treatment could still have an effect on an inflamed, etc. joint. Yes, for the horse’s good we would not like it (the treatment) to be exerting any effect on the joint (on race day), such as to potentially mask the joint pathology/discomfort. Who cares whether we call this performance enhancing, or not. I’d label it an indirect performance enhancer that can result in more negative consequences than many garden variety more “direct” performance enhancers. So tell me precisely, where do you disagree?
As you probably know, much of what you say I find informative, and interesting. Allow me, though, to posit that, perhaps, your thinking and how it;s expressed may be a bit too “black and white”/i.e. conclude with too much certainty. I’m a retired physician, but my college major, and main academic interest then was philosophy. It taught me, if nothing else, that there are no absolutes or, at least, that we are incapable of perceiving them…As to your post, above: You highlighted the word CHEATING. as if one size fits all. Well, should a violation of rule-alone- be deemed cheating? Does intent play a part? I sit reasonable to conclude that ignorance or lack of due diligence could or should be equated with intent, and punished accordingly? Lastly, you have (elsewhere) more than alluded that ALL treatments of this sort (injectables) would be so noted on the veterinarian’s records, and more than imply that absent the notation the drug wasn’t administered. There have been countless overage hearings. Do you maintain that veterinary record evidence, either way, always wins (or loses) the day?
One might argue that a rule for horses’ safety is more important than a rule to prohibit performance enhancement. But even if betamethasone isn’t considered a performance enhancing drug, it can still provide a horse an advantage over an opponent in a race without betamethasone in its system.
Just curious what kind of advantage.
Steve, I was referring to the use of prohibited substances in a general sense, not specifically to the MS case. A horse (or a human athlete) reacts to the therapeutic effect of the drug and performs accordingly. Another horse with the same or similar condition that doesn’t have the drug in his system (i.e., not violating the rules) doesn’t have the same benefit of performing at its best. That is the main point of the rules, regardless of how we might feel about the specifics of a particular regulation.
I hope that once the HISA rules are finalized, there are distinctions between obvious PEDs and drugs that are not likely to improve performance — at least as far as DQs are concerned. As it stands now, a horse can be DQed for ANY prohibited substance.
I only asked because you said “even if betamethasone isn’t considered a performance enhancing drug, it can still provide a horse an advantage over an opponent in a race without betamethasone in its system.” so I just assumed you were referring to betamethasone and the MS case. I was just wondering what that specific advantage might be if used as an ointment as Baffert claimed. Never mind. Just curious. Not that important.
I should have said “betamethasone or any other Class C drug.”
You all can’t do what you keep trying to do…….imply it enhances performance…..it is wrong……..you can say feeding a carrot or mint is a ped……in medicine, we classify drugs for a reason. It is legal for a reason.
You again mislead.Speak truth
Bad info…….are you a horse person?……….your def of PED is feeding a carrot to a horse……eating helps you win?……a vitamin helps a horse, so that is a ped?…….electrolytes in their water?…..that helps a horse?…..that is a ped?………
This is what i’m talking about. Bad info goes unchecked…..
Ice, or paste on a horses legs lowers inflammation………diet has things that help inflammation……..why are they ok?…
THEY DO THE SAME THING.
Letting a horse on the walker, reduces inflammation…..warm up before the race does too…….
You think Beta does way more than it does……Again, it’s legal……..the rule is like many many other therapeutics. On the list to protect the horse, NOT BECAUSE IT MAKES HORSES RUN FASTER.
I’m not entirely certain, as it appears you were answering yourself. Nonetheless, your assertion that thee anti inflammatory effects of betamethasone and ice are the same is patently incorrect.
Betamethasone: a gluco corticosteroid that inhibit neutrophils apoptosis and demargination, inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors, phospholipase A2 thus leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10. Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways,
Ice causes vasoconstriction, although there is some weak evidence that it decreases cytokine release.
Hardly the same. Oh and it’s on the list to protect the horse because use leads to increased breakdowns.
Sure wish we had a like button, I would definitely give your comment a thumbs up.
Just a teachable moment for you…!
No one said “3 days and testing”. The reference is about a scientific paper which was used to technically support 10 picogram/mL as a threshold that was reached at 72 hours after administration of 9 mg of betamethasone in by injection into a single joint.
The investigation entailed measuring the concentration of the drug at different elapsed times for 10 days. What I said was that after 3 hours the measured (average) concentration in the blood was 3.49 ± 0.66 nanograms/mL (about 3,500 picograms/mL). I was answering sceptre’s enquiry about the 3,500 picograms I had mentioned to Davids.
You can see these results in Table 2 of the paper entitled: “Pharmacokinetics of betamethasone in plasma, urine, and synovial fluid following intra-articular administration to exercised thoroughbred horses”
by Heather K. Knych, Scott D. Stanley Linda M. Harrison and Daniel S. Mckemie
Good luck with the educational goal, Nelson. 😉
oopppss ! My reply to you below…
You can look up , google all you want……that is not knowledge. Knowledge is KNOWING WHEN IT IS USED……….none of that matters, because we don’t use it right before the race. We use it way further out….common sense would tell you, inflammation is bad…..it damages……..why would one wait until days before the race?……….answer?……we wouldnt.
The easy way to figure this out, is to know gamine got it 18 days out…..does anyone see the difference?……Also, it would be in the records!….Its legal! vets dont work for free…..this drug doesnt make a horse win anyway……people think they hid a legal drug that wouldnt matter?…….
Anyone……..just ask a trainer or vet if we use it right before a race…….or 3 weeks before…….
Wow ! Talking about human emotions here… I am just referring to a Research article with a very specific finding … a simple study for God Sake ….! nothing less … nothing more… and he responds with a completely non-related harangue.
The guy got the superpower of acquiring knowledge without reading.
He misread and misused one of my posts and I just had to set the record straight …
The dentopedologist hates stats and Scientific Papers as well… but still he knows everything.
Maybe I am the only one finding his posts highly toxic just because of his complex of superiority … after all I also got my ego.
What Triggered my blood pressure was when he referred to me as “Another one obviously READ or GOOGLED info..” as if it was a sin, offense or weakness to do research or read journals.
The only thing he has accomplished is sapping emotional resources beyond my tolerance level.
Sorry for venting EddieF… but I ’emotional expressions’ is the theme this week in this community.
Man … how I miss the blocking functionalities !
He in effect did the same to me this evening and I wrote a rebuttal reply that is being held or moderation. I followed Hangin with Haskin from 2010 until Steve left that forum last year.
There were actually young, new fans to the sport of horse racing who followed Steve and commented from time to time. There are 3 people who embarrassed and harangued these newbies so badly that they left never to return.
When I finally started commenting on HWH around 2013 (The Derby Dozen the year that Orb won the KD), I too was verbally accosted by these same 3 individuals.
I was hoping that they would not make their way to this site and it was awhile before they did. They are all 3 here now and still up to the same antics.
Yes, Nelson. He is poisonous. It is what Internet trolls do. They thrive on reactions. I know this, yet I’ve responded to his insane posts. His intent is to disrupt. He would vanish if EVERYONE ignored his posts. Easier said than done, but I’m trying. Obviously, others are succeeding. There is nothing of value in anything he says, and there’s no way to engage in an intelligent conversation…because intelligent conversation is unimportant to him. Take heart in knowing that he really is meaningless and that this blog has a readership that is engaging, smart, and good natured. Cheers!
This may be your best post ever. I was actually able to understand what you were saying without the ramblings.
I DO NOT believe that Baffert is a cheater. It feels like in the horse racing industry believes people are guilty until proven innocent.
Baffert knows the world is watching, no way in hades do I think he would authorize an ointment, drug, or anything else to enhance a horses performance.
I have said before & I will say it again, Churchill Downs racing is dirty.
They don’t like Baffert because he wins………
Disagree.
pro vet I take exception one part of your post: “We need to make PED’s failed tests……..not therapeutics…”.
Many drugs, especially those classified as “steroids” are dual/multiple purpose drugs. Therefore certain “therapeutic” drugs can serve as PEDs. To that point would not pain/inflammation medications be they administered orally, intra muscle, IV or injected into joints not be considered as PEDs? Guess that depends on the definition of “performance enhancing drugs”.
To summarize my take on all this: either Mr. Baffert, member(s) of his team or the veterinarian who prescribed the ointment for the skin condition (it has to be prescribed by a vet, not available OTC) is culpable in my opinion by way of being negligent, or careless or ill informed in authorizing and using this cream that contains betamethasone that is a restricted medication.
If I were Medina Spirit’s owner I would be very upset with the Baffert Training Stable for not doing due diligence with a restricted medication this close to race day.
It is my additional opinion that if Mr. Baffert had not made an arrogant and angry response to the allegations as the result of the failed test and approached the CHD organization with proof that the source of the betamethasone was the dermatitis ointment and that he took full responsibility for that error on his part, the repercussions might not have been as harsh. His decision to lawyer up only added to the drama. I am sorry but Mr. Baffert does not like to be questioned about what he does or does not do and he has a history of being very arrogant when he is questioned.
On a side note, those of us who live in the non-racing world and have horses in our care have had to deal with most medications not being scripted without a licensed veterinarian seeing the horse. There was a time that as owners we could call out equine vet, explain what we were observing and the vet would fill a script and we could pick the medication up at the vet’s office or in the case of some drugs called into a local pharmacy and administer the medications ourselves. Those days are long gone as the result of FDA Rules and Regulations for Veterinarian medications including Bute, low dose sedatives like Dormosedan and sedative/analgesics like Rompum. Even highly trained vet techs can no longer administer many of these scripted medications. Should a veterinarian be caught giving a script to a client without seeing the horse or in the case of some of the drugs, administered by the client, the veterinarian can not only be fined but could lose their license. Drugs of all categories are being tightly controlled in this day and age largely because of the drug problem in the human population. The days of being able to walk into your farm supply store and picking up Bute or penicillin or a sedative for your livestock and pets are gone and gone forever. About the only thing you can buy OTC is a dewormer and in light of people buying Ivermectin as a cure for Covid, we livestock, horse and pet owners are expecting day now for the FDA t start regulating Ivermectin and other classes of dewormers. So as I see it, CHD cracking the whip on the rule for betamethasone is not unique to just horse racing, it is happening everywhere.
YOU ARE WRONG. You cannot call everything a PED…what is wrong with everyone?.
The reason the public is confused, is because we say “failed test” for everything. Every other sport pretty much “failed test” means
A PED……Tom brady doesn’t get DQ’d for tylenol……that would be stupid right?…..
Horseracing DOES test for pretty much everything.
Does anyone understand the public perception is a problem? My view is a great solution. These overs are not going to stop.
Not every drug is on the list because it is an attempt to cheat….they are mistakes. Clear up the confusion,
Every athlete needs therapeutics especially horses.
Stop calling drugs that are not PEDs PEDS………
Again…….using STEROIDS…………when it is Cort. steroids is MISLEADING……many of your posts say STEROIDS……Either you are leaving the info out, or don’t know the difference………either way …….it is wrong.
Your assumption that I am being misleading when I say steroids or that I am leaving info out or do not know the difference is a not correct.
My first two years in college were classes in pre-med with the goal of obtaining an advanced degree in Medical Research Technology.
Steroids are defined as: Any of numerous naturally occurring or synthetic fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings and including the sterols and bile acids, adrenal and sex hormones, certain natural drugs such as digitalis compounds, and the precursors of certain vitamins.
A class of organiccompounds having a structure of 17 carbonatoms arranged in four rings; they are lipids, and occurnaturally as sterols, bile acids, adrenal and sexhormones, and some vitamins; many drugs are synthetic steroids.
Any anabolichormone used to promote muscle growth.
Think of it this way pro vet…steroid is the main classification and there are sub classes or types of steroids. In fact there are 32 different types of steroids.
Many of these 32 types have more than one use or function to treat a variety of conditions and diseases.
One is prednisone that the FDA has approved for 91 conditions
18 conditions “off-label” for prednisone use
109 total diseases listed in medical literature for prednisone 91 conditions FDA-approved for prednisone
18 conditions “off-label” for prednisone use
109 total diseases listed in medical literature for prednisone
Prednisone is prescribed for my husband when he has a bout of pneumonia to help open his airways so he can breathe. My Great Pyrenes was given prednisone to treat an intestinal infection from an unknown source and after other treatments were not successful. (she is alive and well today by the way).
Several years ago I was prescribed prednisone for a inflamed nerve in my right leg and for pain relief.
If you go back and read my post again, you should see that I asked a rhetorical question so I will reword that question like this: If one of the 32 types of steroids is used to mask pain so the horse can continue to perform (race, dressage, long distance endurance, cutting, cross country eventing, show jumping, reining, barrel racing just as examples) would that drug be considered a performance enhancing drug?
Performance Enhancing Drugs are not limited to anabolic steroids. Many of the steroids and hormones used to enhance performance have other approved medical uses. But because they enlarge muscles, speed up healing, and have other physical effects, they are often used to boost athletic performance and appearance. In other words they are multi-function steroids like prednisone.
“Every other sport pretty much “failed test” means
A PED……”
*cough cough* Sha’Carri Richardson *cough cough*
I went to the races, at Santa Anuta, on Oct 2nd….lots of young people, some cultural event was happening on the apron, and I noticed people were accidently leaving their vouchers in the machines, because after a wager, it asks you for a donation to help with horse retirees, and I alerted a track employee, after getting three vouchers back to their rightful owners….in the post parade for the Awesome Again, Medina got a loud ovation, and coming back after his impressive win he received a standing ovation! Medina is beloved….
Sometimes you pick a horse and sometimes they pick you
Ray Paulick said he didn’t consider Gamine for any of the three spots for Eclipse Award F&M sprinter, last year, when she ran some of the fastest one turn races, ever—his reason was the (one) dq she received, for a two-turn allowance race, at Oaklawn ….and this guy gets a vote.
She had 2 DQ’s last year. 1) oaklawn allowance 2) Kentucky Oaks
And I think Paulick was right in this, but thats my $.02
Agreed!
Those were her two route races, though….and are you certain about her being dq’d twice? I Google her record, they didn’t show ANY dq…but her sprint races were all clean, though….it was sprint award, that he gave her three goose eggs on…
Yes. She was DQ’d from to last in the Oaks after initially placing third. You already commented about the Oaklawn race. (oh and this is the second year in a row that a Baffert horse tested positive during the churchill downs marquee races for the exact same drug.)
Diana. ..the award was for SPRINTER…..her two route races had zero influence on an award for sprint races….had she run LAST, but was undefeated in one turn races, ( which she was), and tested clean for the one turn races (which she was)…..how can or do you justify her not being considered for any votes?
I apologize, I misunderstood your comment. I thought you were saying she only had the one DQ.
My assertion is that if you test positive, you should be not eligible for year end awards. But like I said above that is simply my own $.02. I’m certain others think differently (as evidenced by her win last year). I think that if we do not take a strong stand on doping, we continue to lose more and more public opinion, and will ultimately lose racing entirely- like what has happened to greyhounds. I think if we are not seen to take that sort of stand we stand to lose all.
Lance Armstrong was the best off his generation. He was not the only one using, it was commonly done in cycling at the time. He just got caught. Look at the damage just that one positive did to the sport though. As a result USAcycling completely banned him, not just in road cycling but all the cycling sports and he is also not allowed to compete in USAtrack or USAmasters. He can no longer compete in Ironman events. That is the sort of approach that we should take.
But again, that just MHO.
Derby win+Breeders Cup second=3YO Champion
I couldn’t agree with you more! When the blood test shows that the fungus cream was the culprit, I think Medina Spirit should keep his Derby win. Bob Baffert should pay a fine for not recognizing the beta variant in the cream, but neither did several vets in CA and KY, who knew Medina was treated with the cream.
Winning the Derby should be about the horses, not the owner, the trainer, or the race itself. Much of the information in the media about Bafferts previous positive tests was not correct, but became the story anyway.
Churchill Downs two year Baffert ban is very excessive, and carries the turmoil over to other horses that don’t deserve it. Such a shame that the racing industry can’t enjoy the accomplishments of the horses!
Lots of interesting stuff from you Cynthia. Thank you
Your comment highlights exactly why this defense is not believable. “not recognizing the beta variant in the cream, but neither did several vets in CA and KY, who knew Medina was treated with the cream.” Nope I don’t buy that for 1 MINUTE. I prescribe a similar ointment pretty regularly. (about once a week) Since the steroid is the reason it is being given its a key ingredient. I have to carefully check to make sure this isn’t going to cause a reaction or interaction with my patients. Are you seriously suggesting the vets entrusted with the care of top contenders in the KD would not even consider that? because that’s how you lose your practice and end up in lawsuits. I sooner believe Houlihan’ s pork taco story.
My answers to your quiz, Steve:
Pity – no.
Emulate – yes.
Anger, indignation, enmity- pass, both yes and no.
Fear – yes+
Shamed – yes.
Shameless – yes***
Contempt or Envy – both, in truck loads.
Confidence- on the fence.
Kindness and calm – I want to say yes but the die ‘may’ have been cast.
How did I score?
Steve, as always, an entertaining and enjoyable read. More provocative than your usual style but the topic is red hot. CDI and NYRA, to a lesser degree, have determined how they are going to approach the future. If only CDI would reduce the field for the Kentucky Derby so most get a fair go at winning. Let’s hope next year is much brighter than the past two. Onward and upward.
I grade on a pass/fail basis and you pass…barely because of several wishy washy answers
Thanks, Steve. Guilty as charged, always trying to see both sides of an argument. Seriously, though, one hopes the Medina Sprit ‘mess’ can be cleared up swiftly. I was too young to fully appreciate the ramifications of the Dancer’s Image disqualification but it seemed like an endless saga with, perhaps, the wrong outcome.
Thank you, Steve. Once again, you have boiled down the essence of this debacle into clear, concise terms. It shouldn’t matter what anyone thinks of Bob Baffert and his career. This horse runs his heart out. He doesn’t know his sire and dam weren’t “fashionable.” He just has the heart of a champion and does what he was bred to do…run.
I think the boiling is yet to come
Got up this morning and immediately read this article. Besides being a great writer you also are the voice of reason. In today’s world that is a real blessing !
Thanks very much Lynn. Always best to read it after good night’s sleep. Lol.
My meaningless perspective of Medina Spirit?
PRE-DERBY
His pre-Derby 3YO season featured 4 KD preps which resulted in one win and three 2nd place finishes. His 1 win was by a HD and his 3 defeats were by a combined 13 1/4L. He was beaten 4 1/4Lby a turf horse that freaked in its first start on dirt and was totally out classed by Lif Is Good by 8L in what appeared to be a canter. MS is nice colt but a longshot to win the KD.
During his final preparation for the KD. A video reflecting one of his works suggested all was not physically right with the colt. Whilst there was little, or no report on the work. There were a few who saw it and commented on the discomfort the colt had exhibited. He entered the KD with a 2021 record of 1 win from 4 starts and a scratchy final work. What were the odds of him winning the KD? Long, to very long.
K DERY
Well, he won against all odds. But it was not surprising that he returned a medication overage. The argument that the minuscule amount of the medication in his system wouldn’t influence his performance, is indeed factual. But could the medication if used in a larger quantity over a protracted period, have an enhancing effect? Bob Baffert is no stranger to using a medication that was discovered to have enhancing properties, although said medication was developed to address something totally different. It was discovered that Bob Baffert was using a Thyroid drug on all his horses during an investigation of his operation which was triggered by the death of 7 horses in what was deemed a short window for such deaths. The obvious question has to be. Why was all his horse on this Thyroid drug? Did all suffer from Thyroid problems? It must have been discovered that the drug had an enhancing effect. But what was not known was its deadly effect if used injudiciously. It appears seven horses provided this discovery with their demises.
PENDING DQ
If Medina Spirit benefited from a medication with an enhancing prosperity. The fact that only a residual and ineffective amount was discovered in his sample is meaningless. I have no sympathy for his situation or that of his connections. Where was the out poring of sympathy for Gamine and her connections when she was disqualified from 3rd place finish in the 2020 KY Oaks for an overage involving the same medication? It is just coincidence that both MS and Gamine return
overages involving the same medication? Are all Bob’s horses on this medication like the Thyroid drug? Folks that retain Bob Baffert’s services are aware of his all-round record. They obviously had to be prepared for the likely negative consequences of such a retention.
TOUG ON THE LEAD or ONE DIMENSIONAL
I try not to be disagreeable. But I remain unconvinced Medina Spirit is a tough on the lead colt in the truest sense. In his first 4 starts as a 3YO he was on the lead once and won by the narrowest of margin. He was not on the lead in 3 of those starts and he was easily defeated. To be a tough on the horse, requires being on the lead regularly fighting off opponents. He won on the lead in the KD. Lost on the lead in the Preakness. Six starts with two wins whilst on the lead reflects a one-dimensional profile and not a tough on the lead led profile.
CHAMPION 3YO
Assuming MS’s KD win is vacated. He will have a record reflecting 3 wins from 9 starts. The aforementioned isn’t the record that is likely to secure the Eclipse for champion 3YO under normal circumstances. But the fact that MS finished ahead of Essential Quality on 2 occasions is being blindly used make a case for the Eclipse for Champion 3YO. There are questions that need to be answered. Is MS a better colt than EQ? Which of the two has the better race record and BOW?
Medina Spirit finished ahead of Essential Quality on 2 occasions by a combined 1 3/4L. Does this combine margin indicates he is the better of the two? In the KD Essential Quality was hindered and was wide on both turns. He covered more ground than any of the top 4 on the board. He came up sort by 1L. On a speed favoring surface at Del Mar Medina Spirit used his tactical speed to secure a forward position and held of EQ by 3 /4l for 2nd. Essential Quality was at a disadvantage in two categories. The speed bias surface and his 10 weeks between starts. His 3/4L finish behind MS is a lot better than the margin indicates.
Medina Spirit’s 5 losses were by a combined margin of 21L. Essential Quality’s 2 career losses were by a combined margin of 1 3/4L. Why should there be any debate as to which of the two should be awarded the Eclipse for Champion 3YO? Back story, misrepresented profile and sympathy are not the measures for the eclipse awarded. True body of work has to be the measure.
I love your point of view. Medina Spirit could care less of what is going on. As for all the hub-bub this is one that will always be argued about. Like Jackie Robinson stealing home on Yogi. I do have a feeling that Medina Spirit just might beat them all in the breeding shed and finish in front of his class of 3 year olds again.
THE HORSE WILL STAY DISQUALITIED.
People act like it still might not happen? This is again, lack of knowledge, by people in this sport. And this sports media, is the worst.
The BEST PROOF YOU CAN HAVE, is a positive drug test. IT IS OVER.
Do i have to explain why?……no…..it’s pretty obvious. Even if you can prove it was from a cream, it DOES NOT MATTER.
Like i said. The only thing that can be helped, is in regards to punishment, and/or clearing his name. Not that is name is good.
You should all know this already. You cannot beat the best proof ever.
Life is not fair. rules are not always fair. This proof is unbeatable.
“Lack of knowledge.” And once again you manage to insult people’s intelligence. Not only are people in the sport stupid, so is the media. Good, you have managed to insult the intelligence of everyone in the sport. Thank goodness there is one person with a brain who is here to teach all the ignoramuses. Yes, the DQ likely will stand unless other evidence emerges which is unlikely . So whats your point? Try using your knowledge in a more constructive way. (He said into deaf ears)
[With apologies to M. Night Shyamalan…] He sees dumb people.
LOL. Vey good.
Lack of knowledge is far from the same thing as lack of intelligence. For example, many brilliant people may lack knowledge about a particular subject.
I believe the people who post here have a great deal of knowledge about the sport.
Not only has this person “insulted the intelligence of everyone in the sport,” his own failings are evident in the fact that he cannot seem to grasp the basic tenants of sentence structure and punctuation. It’s hard to take the post seriously.
One doesnt read Pro Vet’s comments, one deciphers them. He is very knowledgeable, but just once I would like him to acknowledge the fact that the people on he are not dummies and that this is not a kindergarten class and he not the teacher.
Mr. Haskin, his deal is believing he’s on an island of knowledge -alone.
If this format had a “thumbs up” I would leave one here.
Kudos Diana!!!!
Actually, the only beta variant that has a suggested withdrawal time in KRC rules is BetaVet, the liquid injectable,with a 14 Day withdrawal time.
There is precedent in a Maryland Racing Commission decision when another medication, Amicar, did not have a withdrawal time listed, that only a warning could be given until such time was listed.
Apparently when the Ky rule was written, no other variant of Betamethasone was listed. By giving a specific withdrawal time for just Beta Vet, mentioning no other variant, a case could be made that the other variant was not a cause for disqualification. More litigation!
The obvious answer is that if the blood test shows it was the cream variant that tested, it had no effect on the race, was not mentioned in the rules, leave the race result alone, fine the trainer. Sometimes when a Jockey rides recklessly, the horse is not DQd ,if no other horse is bothered, but the jock is still penalized. Same should apply here,in my opinion.
Regarding your final comment about jockey behavior, the discretion given to officials is written into the regulations. For prohibited substances, there is no discretion. A positive test requires disqualification. With regard to betamethasone, it doesn’t matter what variant of betamethasone was used. The Ky regulations under Class C drugs list “betamethasone” and do not distinguish between Betamethasone IA or the Betamethasone valerate in the ointment.
I haven’t read your article. I’m tired and want to go to bed. But I wrote in Medina Spirit as vox populi.! .He has 1. Finished ahead of all the other three-year-olds more than once.2. never let the bridge jumpers down. 3. Outrun his auction price and “pedigree”. 4 Probably been subjected to more or as much testing as everybody else. He just keeps showing up !What is not to love about this horse? I respect him. I don’t care who his trainer is. Or what important person owns him.He’s a hero to me.
“Is the resentment of Baffert by a number of fans and rival trainers based more on contempt or envy?”
CONTEMPT
If there is contempt for BB, it is driven by skepticism. And there is plenty of skepticism surrounding the performances of BB’s horses.
Both Authentic and Medina Spirit limped into the KD. No one expected the kind of form reversal both displayed. Authentic barely held off NY Traffic in the Haskell is a slow 1:50+. Medina Spirit was whipped by 4 1/2L by Rock Your World in the SA Derby. Both horses ran way above expectation as denoted by their starting prices of 9/1 & 12/1. There wouldn’t be skepticism regarding these KD winners if not for a pattern.
Bayern was beaten by 20L in the Travers and returned to win the PA Derby in NTR. He followed up with a sub 2 minutes win the in BCC. Defeated by 20L in his first attempt at 10F and won his 2nd in 1:59+. Bayern Finished 18L behind Belmont winner Tonalist in the Travers. He finished 5L ahead of Tonalist in the BCC. That’s a 23L reversal. The fact that Bayern was unbale to finish only 3rd in 5 subsequent starts must have left a bitter taste in the mouth of the connections of California Chrome, Tonalist and particularly Share Belief. He was never as good as the aforementioned 3. An obviously jacked up Bayern caused chain of interferences at the start and was never disqualified.
Trainers are aware that certain types of form reversals are rarely normal. Just as they are aware that certain performances should raise red flags. But very few if any will highlight these abnormalities. There is purported to be a Blue Wall of Silence existing amongst Law Enforcement Officers. There appears to be one existing for trainers. I can recall no reports of trainers openly questioning the win % of trainers Jason Servis and Jorge Navarro. This is despite back stretch rumors that form reversals and sudden improvement associated with the respective barns were not training and conditioning induced.
Ahead of the 2020 Travers.Veteran trainer Barclay Tagg is on record stating that “BB can show up with a skinny mule and win a G1 race”. Was he being sarcastic or was he serious? I would gravitate towards the latter. How many trainers are of this opinion but have not publicly stated same?
When a trainer appears not to care what other trainers think about performances, form reversal and inexplicable loss of form, involving horses under his keep and care. There will be plenty of room for contempt. Veteran trainer/horsemen are made to look ordinary and left asking the recurring question. How does he do it in what seems to be every year? It was the same question that the opponents of Lance Armstrong were asking during the period in which he appears invincible whilst 7 consecutive Tour De France victories.
This is the second time you have misquoted Barclay Tagg to fit your twisted argument. The first time I called you out by showing everyone the actual quote and context:
>>When the role of Travers favorite was brought up to Tiz the Law trainer Barclay Tagg, he smirked. “Baffert will probably be the favorite,” Tagg said. “He could bring a skinny mule and he would be the favorite.”<<
You either do not read replies or you ignore what's written. Your behavior here is reprehensible.
Thanks. You nailed it. Sadly there is no remendy for hatred.
BRAVO!!!
Wow ! the new dimension you unveiled in this piece makes it close to a magnum opus!
There is nothing more complex and perplexing than dealing with human emotions. Passions in sports are fanned by great performances and numbers… and it is mostly emotions what shape our opinions about horse racing and its protagonists.
I see the nine questions crafted by Steve as a subliminal invitation to express our feelings about the drama surrounding the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
Without pretending this to be a therapy session I would dare to describe my feelings after learning about the failed drug test. My first reactions were surprise and confusion… how this could be happening to the Hall of Fame trainer? … again…!
I was disappointed in Baffert when he went into a cavalcade of public declarations without gathering all the facts first. Maybe his instinct to defend himself was justified as he was being blasted by the news media … bad heroes and controversy are good for their business.
Then it was the calm after the storm, and I developed an interest to learn more about the pharmacokinetics of betamethasone and its impact on athletic performance. So, I ended up refusing to let a great performance be tarnished by an inopportune dermatitis.
Awe is another emotion that escaped Aristotle. Like the one sparked from savoring the triumph of an underdog… perhaps the great philosopher never saw a horse with a heart as big as Medina Spirit’s.
Admiration and respect in November superseded any other downbeat feelings in May.
It is all about the horse, but trainers play a key role in developing them.
Behind a great horse there is a great trainer… and there are not few great horses figuring in the resume of Bob Baffert. He has been a successful trainer for three decades and a Triple Crown leader. To me, this long- term accomplishment can only be sustained with great knowledge, dedication and hard work.
Medina Spirit, Corniche, Messier, Rockefeller, Gamine and Azul Coast still delivered excellent performances despite being subjected to the stingiest scrutiny in the history of horse racing.
Medina Spirit is a gifted athlete thanks to the hard work and utmost care of a superb team … Baffert’s team.
The Medina Spirit’s storybook is still open. Next year could be vindication time … and the son of Protonico will not be the leader without a title anymore.
Good post, Nelson. I don’t think that anyone with knowledge of horse racing can deny Baffert’s success. The record is obvious. But that level of success often produces arrogance. At THE LEAST, Baffert has shown a carelessness that contradicts his reputation as a conditioner without peer. Can we agree on that?
Thanks for your reply EddieF.
Yes… he’s made mistakes… the important thing is to learn the lessons there and never repeat them.
I feel like even celebrity (horse) trainers always express explicit gratitude and appreciation to the owners, their teams and to the fans… so I do not see much arrogance there.
Human behavior is vastly governed by the powerful ego… this very community is a live example of that.
My point is that success has very few friends and successful people should not spend a second of their time paying attention to those toxic individuals also called haters.
Hey, Nelson. Yes, lessons can be learned. But advanced years and fame can make the educative process difficult if not impossible. I was careful to not ascribe arrogance to this particular individual. (Arrogant behavior doesn’t necessarily manifest in a public way). Rather, I offered it as a possible explanation for Baffert’s carelessness. If his offenses are the result of something more intentional, all bets are off!
I believe the famous five positives for Baffert were incorrectly told by the media. Gamine had a reported hock injection of Beta Vet 18 days before the Oaks, with a suggested 14 day withdrawal period. This was listed on her vet records, she did not clear the drug from her system in time, penalty was accepted, not really anything careless by Baffert. Two positives in Arkansas, Gamine and Charlatan, were thrown out when investigation by the Arkansas Racing Commission showed that lidocaine had been found in several other horses with other trainers that day and was attributed to contamination in the testing process. Nothing to do with Baffert. The test that was positive for cough syrup was during the pandemic, groom for the filly recovering from Covid,taking cough syrup. Possibly Baffert could have stricter rules there. The fifth one was Medina. Since that time, with incredible testing,Baffert has not had a positive in 213 days.
If you don’t count Medina, no positives in 14 months.
Compare this to Doug ONeill, Peter Miller, John Sadler….among others. Baffert is getting a bad wrap on these 5 positives.
Very interesting stuff.
I’ll assume that what you say is correct. But the bottom line is that he should have MADE SURE that a horse under his care, running in the most visible and celebrated race in America, should be drug-free when tested.
Wonderful post Nelson. Thank you.
Thanks Steve… I really appreciate your valuation.
Nelson, lots of passion here which is great to read. I must be getting terrible cynical about US horse racing these days but the first thing that came to mind when reading that Medina Spirit had a positive for Betamethasone was – rheumatoid arthritis, injectable medication rather than ‘inopportune dermatitis.’
Thanks for your reply Davids.
I believe that it was dermatitis because I saw the photos of his right buttock and thigh.
The area affected was big and needed a substantial amount of medicament. I assume that its active ingredients (drugs) are absorbed through the skin flowing to the circulatory system.
Even if it was intra-articular injected the concentration in the blood on race day should be about 3,500 picograms/mL to mask pain and create a high risk of breakdowns.
If you think Medina Spirit got rheumatoid arthritis I respect that … as Steve replied somewhere, we might never know the truth.
I just hope that Medina Spirit makes us forget this dark footnote with a strong campaign next year… he will be urinating more than Maradona after each race to prove that he is running as clean as a whistle… then we will know better.
Nelson, I have a background in health, so when Betamethasone came up positive for Medina Spirit the suspension was that it may have been utilised to relieve joint pain alleviation/inflammation as in rheumatoid arthritis for humans rather than dermatitis. All good.
3,500 picograms/ml ? How do you arrive at that figure? Clearly there are timing considerations, i.e. when was it administered? If indeed the race-day concentration should be at a level of 3,500 picograms/ml to have the desired effect then it’s rather doubtful that the “overage” values would be what they are.
But…,on the other hand… It does appear to be true that the horse had the dermatitis, over a rather broad area at that. The very medication implicated in the overage is, indeed, the treatment for a dermatitis such as this. It’s a bit too coincidental for me that Baffert would both be injecting this substance for its skeletal/soft tissue anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and also applying it topically for the dermatitis. I guess I’ll have to side with Baffert here. Also, I doubt that he realized that this topical could cause an overage, although, in reality, applied at sufficient amount it can do just that.
Thanks for the reply Sceptre.
There are a couple of studies that support the 10 picogram/ml as a threshold during racing day with 3 days post administration. They report the results of blood and synovial fluid for 12 trained horses after injecting 9 mg of of betamethasone administered into a single joint.
The study is:
“Pharmacokinetics of betamethasone in plasma, urine, and synovial fluid following intra-articular administration to exercised thoroughbred horses”. Reference 6 there is also useful.
Please note that their unit is nanogram/mL, so a reported peak of 3.49 ng/mL with error of ± 0.66 ng/mL becomes about 3,500 picograms/mL after 3 hours. I am assuming that a peak would yield maximum relieve…
I would pretty much want to avoid any diatribe about this … the lack of transparency and clarity in the barns should not be motive for us to fight over speculations.
This will likely be a spirited comment section. It’s already proving to have a lot of opinions.
MS is no doubt a tenacious runner who has a ton of talent and even more important the mind to go with it. I doubt the positive alone is why he won.
However, his trainer has repeatedly tested positive and then seemingly managed to avoid the consequences. Gamine had not just 1 but 2 positives out of 6 races and still was given an eclipse. BB had a horse in the 2020 and 2021 test positive for the exact same drug during the oaks/derby. The odds of that being accidental seems higher than mine of running the 1 1/4 mile in 2 minutes.
I respect the dogged runner who refuses to give up while disliking the situation.
Beyond the immediate reaction from the positive results, they have a far more problematic result on the public eye and opinion. Bisphosphonates. Corticosteroids. Loop diuretics. What do all of these drugs have in common? They all increase the risk of fractures. If we want to prevent breakdowns we need to stop drugging our horses.
I can’t help myself tonight….the stupidity of this.
The horses are Gamine and Charlatan at Oaklawn whom Baffert was overturned in court because of a Salon patch from the trainer Jimmy Barnes….whom by the way Baffert refused to throw under the bus and the same situation for the Kentucky Oaks whom just paid the $1500 fine.
Four horses…..a topical oitment and some contaminated feed and you strike gold.
John, you might feel it is stupid; however, like I said in my comment, the problem of all these positives isn’t really if they enhance or not a performance. They influence public perception about the sport. Further they lead to increased breakdowns which leads to even more bad press and decreased support.
Honestly, it really doesn’t matter at all how the drug gets in the system or why(ask Richardson and Houlihan about that). If the industry doesn’t take it upon itself to censor its worst offenders, the court of public opinion will judge it unworthy. Ask the greyhound industry what happens when you lose public opinion.
The DQs of Gamine and Charlatan were not overturned “in court.” The Ark Racing Commission reversed the DQs after a two-day hearing. That is the process. The ointment arguments in regard to Medina Spirit are irrelevant and are being used to delay — IN COURT — the inevitable. In the earlier comments here, I posted the Ky rules about allowable ointments. You can find that post if you care about the facts. Even if (big “IF”) the ointment Otomax was to blame, it contains a prohibited drug that is clearly identified on the Otomax box and tube. If the drug is detected in a post-race test, the horse must be DQed. It really is as simple as that.
I don’t believe for a second that the positive steroid test for the Derby came from a dab of ointment. It would have taken steroid ointment ingested to show up in a blood test. That horse was given steroids, (probably IV,) because he was sore. And that does affect the performance in the race. Talk to any equine veterinarian not involved in racing and they will tell you the same thing.
Did you see Baffert’s reaction after the Derby? He wasn’t happy, excited, thrilled – he was SHOCKED. He threw that horse in that race to satisfy the owner. He never expected the horse to win, and he knew Medina Spirit wouldn’t clear the test. Commentators kept asking Baffert if he was happy because his emotions were so weird to the situation. On hindsight, I understand why.
Some years ago tests were done on horses with the anti-inflammatory cream Diclofenac Sodium to see if it would show up in the bloodstream. Even when large amounts were massaged into the horses legs, it didn’t show up in tests. It only showed up if combined with DMSO – which carries other drugs deeper into the tissue.
Bob Baffert always has some crazy excuse for why his horses come up positive. Including one where he says a groom on medication peed on some hay that the horse ate. Puleeze!!
I’m from FL and of course I was so excited that a FL-bred won the Derby. I don’t blame the horse, and he has redeemed himself in subsequent races. But having Baffert as his trainer has tainted this horse for me.
As a horse owner of many decades I can safely say that horses do not and will not eat hay that smells or tastes like urine, including that of other horses, cats, dogs or any species including humans.
To have that amount of the med show up in the test, the horse would have had to drank the urine and horses do not drink urine either.
I had not heard that about a groom urinating in the stall as a reason for a positive on a drug test.
Actually Doug ONeill paid a fine in CA when one of his horses tested positive for blood pressure medication passed by his groom urinating in his stall. Look it up.
Here we go…….. as usual.
I’ve helped out, from time to time….on backstretches….and can say from experience that empty stalls are often the defacto bathrooms, for humans!
Ugh! No bathrooms in stables? LOL
This is so stupid.
I understand everything you say, but I can understand if you maintain he was injected with Betamethasone and thats why it showed up. But I’m not sure where steroids come into the picture, if youre referring to something like Winstrol or a corticosteroid. And you are right, Bob did not expect to win the Derby, but he was way too excited and happy with the result to foresee something foreboding like a drug positive. There are many unanswered questions and things that dont fit, but again, this column is strictly about the horse.
If it was indeed injected then it can serve as a performance enhancer by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and pain retardation properties.
Likely impossible to prove that it was only administered topically. Only Baffert’s word for it.
Exactly. You can only guess what they were thinking. You would have thought that the Masochistic ‘bungle’ would have been a lesson for everyone. Noting that Betamethasone is a corticosteroid/steroid; stanozolol, in the case with Masochistic, is an anabolic steroid.
in medicine……you cant call something a ped when it is not…….STOP…….there are classifications…..it is wrong to say it is a PED
We’re arguing semantics here. Should one have a malady that would impede performance and that malady is relieved by a medication (or treatment of any kind, even an elastic bandage), then one can reasonably conclude that the medication, etc. served to enhance a performance that would have been lessened without it.
Excellent point. Simple, fish oil supplements can vastly improve one’s ‘performance’ in the gym.
Hello Steve – excellent piece of writing. IMO we all should feel bad for Medina Spirit because he ran a helluva race in the KY Derby and through no fault of his own may be disqualified. Interesting bit of info. that John Henry was restrained by his Jockey from entering the winners circle after a loss. I guess animals like people are also creatures of habit. Changing gears. I will be rooting for Zandon in the Remsen on Saturday. I was thrilled to get Zandon at 56-1 in KDFW1. I bet him to win and boxed him with the field. Zandon hit the gate in his MSW win at the start and broke near the rear of the field. Joel Rosario kept Zandon inside to save ground and swung outside in the clear in the stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths going away. I like Zenden’s pedigree and he should be fine with the 1 1/8 in the Remsen. Looking forward to your derby rankings in 2022 Steve.
Thank you , Joe. As for Zandon I dont like stretching a horse out from 6f to 1 1/8 miles in his second career start. The fact that trainers do that now may be the reason the Remsen does not produce Derby winners. I think its asking too much too soon and tends to dull a horse.
Hello Again Steve – I just read a DRF article about Zandon running in the Remsen. Joel Rosario will retain the mount which is a good thing. Chad Brown says Zandon reminds him of Preakness winner Cloud Computing. Cloud Computing won a sprint race and was 2nd in the Gotham at 1 1/16 next out. Chad Brown has confidence that Zandon will handle the stretch out because he believes he wants to go that far. I understand your concerns about the jump from 6 to 9 furlongs,but I hope Zandon can tackle that hurdle. I will be watching the race with interest with Derby Dreams for Zandon and my KDFW1 bet on the line. The funny thing is I remember betting on Cloud Computing in the KDFW and was disappointed that the connections bypassed the Derby for the Preakness. We will never know how Cloud Computing would have done in the KY Derby, but in hindsight knowing he won the Preakness you have to believe that he would have been a major contender.
The Gotham is in March, not early December. I have no doubt Zandon will handle the stretch out, which is why he was my sleeper, but I’m not ready for him to stretch out this quickly over what is always a very dead and tiring track. I’m not saying he cant win, I just dont like it with the Derby in mind. I know that its been 27 years since a Remsen winner won the Derby. And I think only 2 or 3 winners even made the Derby. But we’ll see. I hope hes the exception
Agree 100% regarding Zandon in his second race.
Thank you Steve medina spirit is a really good horse and he needs to be respected for that he was my pick for derby having seen all his races he has a big heart and fights on. Bob baffert is a good trainer and Churchill Stewart’s need to recognize that there are other trainers who don’t care as much for the horses as him and there is so much jealousy cause his horses win an animal rewards you when you treat th right remember that and Bob looks out for his horses despite what the haters say medina spirit deserves the 3 yr eclipse award and whitmore deserves the secretariat award
Thank you Steve. I have to say this is a great article about Medina Spirit. I, personally hope his victory stands. He’s a good one.
Thanks Mary. I think most feel the same way.
Steve, thank you again for always pointing out what the true spirit of a racehorse is. As you know from when we spoke before Medina won the Derby, I have also thought highly of this horse and truely admire his heart and tenacity. I hope everyone else can see this colt for the gifted athlete he is. May I remind everyone Medina has been first or second in all of his starts execpt a 3rd in the grade 1 Preakness. He is also the only 3yro of his crop to beat older horses in a G1 and beat every other 3yro in the classic behind the formidable Knicks Go who got a picture perfect to compliment his running style. And while I respect Essential Quality, Medina Spirit has beaten him in both thier meetings so I believe that makes him top 3yro this year. I hope he finally gets the respect he deserves. And while I dream of buying another Derby horse some day, I doubt they would ever bring as much pride and joy to my heart as Medina Spirit has!
So great to see you here, Christy. I’m sure everyone on here wishes you all the best and hopes Medina will keep his Derby win and your story will continue to be told.
For those who havent read it, please go to the link in the column to read Christy’s story.
Another excellent column, Steve. THANK YOU!
I tend to wonder sometimes if there are players in the TB industry who are jealous of Baffert’s accomplishments. Which other current trainer have TWO TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS on their resume? If I remember correctly, both American Pharoah AND Justify retired sound and have gone on to successful careers as sires.
It is a shame Medina Spirit is being shut out and shunned. The horse certainly does NOT deserve it. His owners, breeder and others associated with him do NOT deserve it.
Thanks Carol. That certainly comes under the category of envy.
More like suspicion. You said it yourself no other trainer has 2 T C’s . Is Baffert really better than all that have come before him ?
You can be envious and suspicious at the same time
Right on, Steve ! Your column eloquently said what I’ve been thinking for the last six months. As always, thank you for writing.
Well written. Thank you
I will NEVER forget that Medina Spirit is a Champion and won the KD fair and square against more costly colts like EQ and the others and then beat them again, so Medina is better than all the 3yo in his class and not to get the respect for that is just to sad for words AND MEDINA SHOULD GET THE AWARD FOR BEST 3YO OF THE YEAR, HE FIGHTS WITH HEART IN ALL OF HIS RACES AND HE HAS ONLY LOST TO 2 GREAT HORSES LIKE LIG AND KNICKS GO, SO YES THIS ATHLETE DESERVES ALOT OF REPECT AND HE SURE HAS MINE !!!
Requires a new barn!
This is by far the best article ever written and published! ❤️
#teambaffert
#IstandwithBob
And most of all
#IstandwithMedinaSpirit
Thank you very much, Cathy. I appreciate it.
Steve:
I truly believe it is remarkable for any trainer to not fail drug tests in the environment of racing today.
It seems to me that the rules are ever-changing, and not necessarily to the benefit of the horse, but are to the detriment of trainers and owners.
When I ponder how many horses, and how many tracks, in how many states, with how many sets of individual rule-sets that Baffert has, I’m flabbergasted that he hasn’t had more.
He has in no way harmed his reputation, in my mind.
Jim Canada
Denton TX
I totally agree, I have often wondered that myself. It seems so easy to have a horse test positive today.
But Steve, if it is so easy, why do the leading trainers at CD have so few drug violations in Kentucky? Asmussen hasn’t had a violation since 10/2018. Brad Cox has had just one violation (10/2020) in the past 6 years. Mike Maker has none in 10 years. Ken McPeek has had no violations since 10/2017. Baffert isn’t even a regular trainer in Kentucky.
And let’s not forget that only one horse tested positive on Oaks day and Derby day, of 94 horses tested.
I agree with you and I cant answer that. But I still wonder why there arent more positives by contamination. Maybe Baffert was just sloppy, maybe he has bad luck, maybe thee is more to it and there is another explanation. I honestly dont know what his number of positives are all about.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the USADA testing regime is implemented. I’m sure it’s crossed quite a few ‘punters’s’ minds.
The focus on Betamethazone ointment and its lack of performance enhancing ability is misplaced. In my opinion, the Betamethazone to focus on is the joint injection version that we all know Baffert used in Gamine and Charlatan, because he TESTIFIED TO IT UNDER OATH in the Arkansas investigation. The sickening revelation that should be gleaned from this is that he trains his charges on it. Betamethazone not only reduces swelling and inflammation in injured joints, it also KILLS THE PAIN. Bob works his charges hard and fast between races. Betamethazone alllowed him to keep his stars fit and on the muscle with training by hiding their pain. Doesn’t anyone have a huge problem with that? Horses don’t know to stop or reduce their effort if they can’t feel the warning signs.
I would also posit that with all the security and increased scrutiny around the Kentucky Derby, there is not a chance in hell that no one saw the big bold letters on the box of Betamethazone ointment warning that it was a disallowed medication. Baffert’s help are not idiots. He can hire the finest. The mistake of applying this ointment is too sloppy to be believed. Just as I wouldn’t believe it if Darley, Juddmont, Motion, Brown, Clemente or Pletcher’s barns had that “slip up” prior to the Derby.
It’s my hunch that Medina Spirit was injected pre Derby in hopes of clearing it by the withdrawal date. In order to avoid the Arkansas debacle, they probably drew blood to independently check for Beta blood levels. When it didn’t clear, the ointment was applied to provide a “good” cover story. It’s working because people keep spouting it. It is correct that skin ointment is not a performance enhancer. But a joint injection with the same ingredient is.
The reason I don’t believe any of Bob’s story:
1. There is no way a barn, any barn, is that sloppy prior to the Kentucky Derby.
2. The horse still had the rash on Derby Day and Preakness Day! So, how many times was this applied? I’ve used it on my horses and it clears a rash in a couple of days. Since Bob feigned ignorance of any application, do you think a stable hand applied it multiple times with no one noticing? Doubtful.
3. Rewatch the Preakness post parade, Medina Spirit was stiff and off on his back right. By two weeks later, an injection would have worn off.
4. On top of it all, Baffert couldn’t keep his stories straight in the days and weeks after the revelation. He took no responsibility for anything and then lawyered up. Innocent folks don’t do that.
5. Baffert is a known cheat and specifically with that drug recently.
Baffert gambled and lost that as the “face” of the sport, his explanation would suffice. Churchill has one valuable brand and that is the Derby. They decided to protect their brand, instead of “the face”. They have investors that demand that share price and the luster of America’s premier race be protected.
I cant argue with anything you said. I would like to think it was the ointment and not an injection. Baffert did seem to have a legitimate excuse for the Lidocaine in his earlier positive. I dont believe Medina’s performance was aided in any way because he did run just as big if not bigger late in the year while under microscopic scrutiny, And the Preakness was simply too fast a pace to be pressured in two weeks after a tough race in the Derby. I dont know if we’ll ever find out the truth. But for now I am going to think more about the horse than Baffert.
Can anyone explain why it even matters if the positive test result was due to the application of an ointment? It seems to me that this legal wrangling is an attempt by Baffert’s representatives to argue “extenuating circumstances” when such circumstances are irrelevant. This is what the Kentucky rules state:
“Section 4. Certain Permitted Substances. Liniments, antiseptics, antibiotics, ointments, leg paints, washes, and other products commonly used in the daily care of horses may be administered by a person, other than a licensed veterinarian if:
(1) The treatment does not include any drug, medication, or substance otherwise prohibited by this administrative regulation;
(2) The treatment is not injected; and
(3) The person is acting under the direction of a licensed trainer or veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Kentucky and licensed by the commission.”
So if it was an applied ointment, it still contained a prohibited drug/medication. Therefore, a disqualification is the only legal outcome.
And it may happen. It would be unprecedented if it wasnt. But I cant blame Baffert for using whatever legal assistance he can get to save his reputation and a DQ in the Derby from tarnishing that reputation. I dont like all the time its taking, but becoming a pariah is like a wounded wolverine being cornered. They only know to attack
TBTA, you have made the same talking points that I too personally feel are valid in this situation. In fact early this morning when the article by Steve first dropped, I started then canceled many of the same points you brought up
I have thought for a long time that Thoroughbred Horse and Harness Racing needs one governing body that oversees all of the racetracks in every state and issues the rules and regulations, the process for dealing with an issue (failed drug test, use of whip rules, etc) and the “punishments (fines, suspension of riding or training privilege’s etc).
This is how the FEI and USET oversee Dressage, Eventing and Show Ring Jumping competitions and it is long past due for the same for the sport of horse racing.
It is indeed unfortunate that Medina Spirit’s reputation, career and successes have been scared by this. He is just a horse, bred to race and compete to the best of his ability.
He should, in my opinion be declared the winner of the Kentucky Derby and any asterisks should be given to the offending training organization, in this case of course is the Baffert Training Operation.
I have always been a firm believer in a level playing field and that rules and regulations and subsequent fines and punishments should apply equally across the board and in this case, across the country as well.
I like your reasoning, Lynda. Racing has suffered from acting like a herd of cats since its inception. The opportunity to set up a sole governing body with the power and integrity to oversee racing has been missed again and again for more than a century. The first chance was after the sport was nearly killed in the 1890s (!) and then in 1910, when racing was banned in New York and almost every other jurisdiction (except Kentucky and Canada) for two or more years.
As always, Steve, your reasoning is top notch and your writing superb. I really admire Medina Spirit. He is a first-class racehorse. Baffert has fallen some in my estimation, but he is still a truly remarkable trainer.
Thank you. I so agree with you about having a national governing body or a commissioner like all sports have. Monmouth Park was closed for decades because of the sports nefarious reputation.
What makes you think that a box of Otomax has a warning label on it? It’s an ointment usually used on dogs! What an imagination to think Baffert saw a rash on the horse and concocted such a scheme that could ruin his reputation and career, when he himself didn’t think the horse could win! Why disparage his reputation regarding joint injections in other horses when it is an allowable procedure and almost everyone does it?
Considering it was the same drug his horse tested positive for in the oaks in 2020, you would think a trainer with enough attention to detail to win 2 TC’s would be very aware of what sources of contamination for that particular drug are.
To be fair, Gamine’s positive was from an injection, not from contamination. It’s not like he’s been caught with this drug from contamination before.
I believe you have made a very strong case. What I find, somewhat inconceivable, is that Baffert would ‘through it all away’ as it appears he may have. It just baffles me and CDI are, as you say, “protect[ing] their brand.
You are truly a national treasure Steve Haskin. I am extremely appreciative that you share your spot on insights with us. Your writing talent is unparalleled.
I recently saw a FB picture of your daughter, s-i-l and grandson. You are blessed to not only have a special talent, but a special family too.
Mazel Tov!
Toni
That is SO kind of you, Toni. Thank you very much. Your words mean a great deal to me.
Thank you, Steve, for this honest appraisal. I find myself loving the horse and resenting the circumstances that were surely out of his control.
Sorry for a second post, but I just talked to a friend after recommending this column to him. He and I both came away with the same thought (but with different names of MS’s opponents). Prior to the race, I thought EQ was the likely winner. On Derby day, I bet on Known Agenda. I was holding a 42-1 futures ticket on Mandaloun. MS wasn’t in my only exotic bet, a 3-horse exacta box. But after processing what had occurred, I smiled because Medina Spirit was the kind of horse I love to root for. And let’s not forget that, even though MS won gate to wire, it was the closest four-horse Derby finish in any of our lifetimes.
Eddie, since when do you have to apologize for a second…or 10th post. All your posts are welcome, you know that. You may be collecting big money on your Future wager.
LOL. Thanks! My legal adviser tells me that I have a better chance of walking on Mars than collecting on my KDFW bet.
You can pretend you cashed your ticket. Lol. You surely are not alone.
I love Medina Spirit, the way he runs, the tenacity he shows. For me this whole mess is totally disconnected from the horse himself. He did nothing wrong, tries his heart out. His running style with the lower head carriage reminds me of A. P Indy. I hope he has a long life and a sensational career as a stallion.
Great words Steve, very controversial but incredibly insightful as well. I can tell by your words that you put a whole lotta thought into what you write. That is what makes you the best.
I personally am not a fan of the stewards at Churchill Downs nor some of their decision making.
Maybe horse racing show open their blind eyes and perhaps look at again all of their banned drugs. The thought here is very simple, ban drugs that would be used for enhancing their performance. This ointment did not help Medina Spirit win the Derby. I also do not think that Baffert is a cheater. He has been a great trainer for a long time.
I am not going to judge anyone for their opinions otherwise a sensitive blog like this could turn into a free for all.
I learned a long, long time ago that everyone is entitled to their opinion & perceptions.
Steve, thank you for making Monday very interesting.
I appreciate it Deacon, Thank you very much. I feel CD and NYRA did what they did regarding banning Baffert to appease the anti-racing people and to make themselves seem diligent in their war against drugs. Isnt it coincidental that NYRA waited until Medina Spirit lost the Preakness before announcing the ban two days later You think they would have banned him if MS had won the Preakness and was going for the Triple Crown, bringing out the crowds?
If it was indeed injected then it can serve as a performance enhancer by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and pain retardation properties.
Likely impossible to prove that it was only administered topically. Only Baffert’s word for it.
There are added ingredients for a topical ointment that would or will show up in the correct testing. If I remember correctly that is what they are checking for in the split they sent to the N.Y lab
Thanks for the wonderful article Steve!
LOVE Medina Spirit!!
Great column Steve. It says more about us – the fans – than both Medina Spirit and Bob Baffert combined. Wasn’t it D. Wayne Lukas who defended Baffert after the Derby and Dale Romans said that Churchill Downs ‘overrated’ without due process.
Sadly, there are some fans that let hatred and envy cloud their vision…perhaps it is the reason both Bloodhorse and The Paulick Report no longer accepts comments…
And talk about overreacting….just look at the NYRA and what they did to Baffert without due process….here was a trainer that had won 73 Grade 1 races at NY tracks and scores of other stakes without any medication issues whatsoever and they initially tried to suspend him.
Hatred, overreacting, envy….not a good combination.
Thanks, John. NYRA was a disgrace.
I can’t help but cheer for the gutsy little horse every time he runs, but I am caught with conflicting emotions regarding the KD and BB.
Racing is at a crossroads and I hope they choose the right path.
“Is the resentment of Baffert by a number of fans and rival trainers based more on contempt or envy?”
ENVY:
There is no verifiable evidence that envy exist amongst fellow trainers for Bob Baffert’s successes in the TC series. Why would other trainers be envious of BB? Are the horses under his keep and care unbeatable? Absolutely not! Are other trainers envious of Chad Brown who won 4 consecutive Outstanding Trainer Eclipse and is viewed as the King of Turf in America?
In 2019 Bob Baffert was represented by 3 entrants in the KD i.e., Game Winner, Roadster and Improbable. They left the gates at 1/1; 2/1 & 5/1. Given BB’s success in the KD and the PPs of his 3 entrants. Many fans expected at trifactor. None finished on the board. After the DQ of Maximum Security the Bill Mott trained, Country House was promoted to first. What did Country House’s PPs reflect? One win in a MSW and a few placing in KD preps. He was the longest shot on the board. If Bill Mott was able to use a colt with only a MSW win to defeat all 3 of BB’s entrant that included the champion 2YO. What’s there to envy about Bob Baffert?
In the 2017 Arrogate ran by Gun Runner in the stretch of the Dubai World Cup en-route to victory. Did Steven Assmussen envy BB for having the better horse on the day? Absolutely not. When Arrogate next met Gun Runner, he was joined by stablemates West Coast, Collected and Mubtaahij. Gun Runner showed all 4 a clean set of hooves en-route to victory. What’s there to envy about BB?
Horses under BB’s High Tech program regularly experience a sudden loss of form:
Concert Tour Impressive winner of the Rebel & 3rd in the AK Derby – Beaten 34 1/4L in the Preakness; no race since
Hozier – 2nd in the Rebel; Beaten in AK Derby by 18 3/4L. Now in the Optional claiming division.
Bazos – Impressive winner of a MSW- Beaten by 42L in Lexington- Last seen finishing 4th in a 50K claiming race.
Thousand Words – MIA
Roadster – Has not won in 10 starts since his impressive and unexpected SA Derby win
Game Winner – Long retired as he was unable to retain weight
Bayern- Ruched into retirement after losing form after his BCC win
Arrogate – Mysteriously lost form and went from super star to paddler.
Uncle Chuck- Not seen since the Travers
The above are just a few from an exhaustive list. If trainers are going to envy Bob Baffert, they have to envy the total package. Not just his successes but also his program that has seen many good horses reduced to a shadow of themselves. This unreported part of BB’s program has to be considered what is responsible for any contempt harbored for him.
Over 500 words and not ONE about the subject of Steve’s column. Should I be surprised? Does the earth revolve around the sun? Is the pope Catholic? Are anchovies the best pizza topping? (OK. Forget the last one. It may be debatable.)
Eddie, agreed!
You answered your own question. Envy that he keeps having the better horses.
MS is a wonderful horse.
A horse or any animal can never be disgraced, by either himself or the people around him.
It’s the people who disgrace themselves.
Medina Spirit is a very good racehorse.
And though we are probably wrong to anthropomorphize, creatures do have their own feelings, perhaps especially noted in the Thoroughbred ‘will to win’; as you note about Kelso and John Henry, they seemed to regard themselves as winners no matter what. How else to explain Tiznow’s hanging on in two Breeders’ Cup Classics, Affirmed vs. Alydar, Beholder by a nostril over Songbird? We love racing to see the horses compete, not to see what trainer or jockey wins.
Thanks as always for continuing to write for us, sir.
You did a good job explaining that maybe its not that wrong. We realize its not true, but its part of our nature to do it. We want to believe there are “human” feelings down there somewhere.
Love you Steve you totally get it! You always have! A true lover of the horses and the common people who follow and support these fabulous athletes! Medina Spirit is the Kentucky Derby winner and rightfully so! No ointment pushed him to the win and to be punished for past charges assessed on a trainer is totally wrong! Sometimes a horse not considered “ blue blood” proves all wrong… ( ie: California Chrome and Sunday Silence among others). Thanks for always seeing beyond the media hype and frivilous bs passed around! Love your writings, please don’t stop!
That’s very kind of you, Linda. Thanks so much.
Thank you for being a voice of common sense; we need more like yours! I’ve owned horses for 40+ years, and I know the following things to be true…
1. Horses commonly get itchy skin rashes and/or fungus in the late winter and spring. Sometimes they are referred to as “rain rot”.
2. The Betamethasone is used to ease the intense itching and inflammation so the poor horse doesn’t rub himself raw on the stall walls.
3. The TINY amount of Betamethasone in the ointment didn’t make Medina Spirit run any faster, run any farther, or block any pain he had. It couldn’t have.
This horse has proven himself to be the “Real Deal” more than once after the Ky Derby. I’m all for keeping racing clean, but the levels of testing that is now possible is picking up insignificant trace amounts that do not affect the outcome of a race. They may also be the result of environmental contamination or a horse with a slower than normal metabolism. The state racing commissions need to do a better job of establishing guidelines for acceptable trace amounts of theraputic substances. Some drugs should have a zero tolerance regulation, but in many other cases, common sense needs to come in to play. This is one of them.
Thank you very much, Kathie. I would love for the CD stewards and the Ky. Racing commission to read your post. You said it all.
Thanks for this Steve. Put my feelings into words.
Being based in CA, I have watched Medina Spirit run several times. He brings his “A” game every time, but, if he knows he can’t possibly win, he’s smart and doesn’t go for it. Seeing him win the Shared Belief was a victory for both of us. I had had a knee replacement 3 months prior (2nd knee, added to a hip). As photographer, I hadn’t been able to get down on the ground to set up a remote in 3 years, and I got a great shot of him. I felt as if it was a victory for both of us.
The Awesome Again was a fabulous race as was the Classic. With each victory and race he has proven his Derby was not a fluke. He’s the “little engine that could”.
I hope, for his sake, the metabolite assay shows that it was the skin cream. I know a little bit about CA drug policies and they’re extremely strict. (I’m also a vet tech.).
And if he cant win he will try to get second, as he did in a couple of of his runner-up efforts.
Yes he won’t give up completely as other horses will, but he won’t respond to the jock’s asking except to hold off another horse he KNOWS he can beat. I remember hearing Johnny V saying something to Bob after one of those races.
For those who are stating that there’s no way he’d have tested positive unless injected IV, that’s an incorrect assumption. Gamine tested positive after being administered Betavet IA, which is into the joint space. No contact with the circulatory system per se. Gamine was also injected 18 days prior to the race which was an additional 4 days outside the 14 day window. CHRB requires electronic logging of all medications or treatments. Those records are transmitted to a secure site administered by the Jockey Club Information Systems. The amount of betamethasone (no designation of which form showed up and that is the key behind pushing for the urine testing) was 21 pg/ml. Many of those who only want to believe the worst of a trainer unknowingly stated that it was 21 x 50,000 ml blood in the entire horse which is erroneous because either they conveniently forgot how to do math, or forgot what a negative exponent means. 21 pg/ml is written 0.00000000021/ml or to make it a visual word picture- the equivalent of 1 drop of water divided equally and added to 3 full Olympic sized swimming pools.
And ARCI (which KY Racing Commission uses) and CHRB drug schedules both state there is to be no Betamethasone IA allowed in the sample. Not Betamethasone valerate which is what is found in Otomax which is what was used for the skin itch.
So there are questions that need to be answered for sure. One thing I do know, Baffert isn’t stupid, he would not knowingly allow a horse to be treated unless done by the vet. His vet in CA is one of the good ones- the kind who isn’t going to risk his track or vet license to make a trainer happy. He doesn’t need the business.
Reparations for Dancers Image!
Thanks for another spot on opine and Happy Chanukah!
Thank you Robert and Happy Chanukah to you and a Happy holiday season
Steve, I believe you captured perfectly the emotions related to the unfortunate events. And I’m thankful you avoided the specifics of the pending disqualification and the various controversies surrounding the trainer. There will be plenty of that to follow! As a racing fan, I will always think of Medina Spirit as the Derby winner regardless of the eventual outcome. Correct me if I’m wrong, but my guess is that most racing fans of the late 1960s thought of Dancer’s Image as the Derby winner. I don’t believe that history will forget Medina Spirit.
I agree about Medina, Eddie. Thanks
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