So if Bayern gets 5th or better tonight he moves up to #20? Or does one more need to scratch (Chitu)? At the VERY least, that changes the complexion of the Derby. If Baffert takes this unorthodox approach to get Bayern in, he must think he can win.
Three races in 21 days? Preakness more likely, no?
Derby Trial does not offer any points toward the KY Derby. Baffert says he is definitely running tonight though. I think Bayern was at Churchill with owners hoping to get into the Derby -- so why not run? No shipping required.
The way I understand it is 6 horses have 20 points, and the tiebreaker would be stakes earnings. Bayern would then get in based on the tiebreaker. You\'re right, it\'s not logical that he would come back next week, but ya never know.
Even though Baffert has said he isn\'t running Bayern back in the Derby, if Bayern wins he moves up because he is tied for 20th in points but is 23rd because of earnings. A win moves him up in earnings & without any more points he moves to 20. But, Baffert has said he won\'t run him back in the Derby, we\'ll see.
If he wins tonight, he actually moves up to 19th on the list because the non restricted stakes esrnings are the tiebreaker and he is one of a bunch of horses that have 20 pts. Right now, others have more non restricted stakes earnings but a win tonight moves him ahead of the others with 20 pts
If he wins geared down tonight, I think he will run next week
If its a relatively easy race for him, then its not much more than the kind of fast breeze Baffert usually puts into them a week out
This horse is immensely talented. Missed a bunch of breezes and a race and went from an allowance to run ok in a grade 1
If you think there\'s alot of steam on Danza now, wait till Bayern wins tonight and everyone starts calling the Ark Derby a key race.
Check out Baffert\'s record on short rest.