The only excuse for Epicenter\'s and Zandon\'s collapse was breeding -- they just cannot go that far. Neither one of them were near the fast early fractions -- especially Zandon. Pretty sweet trips for both but just could not finish.

Unlike the OAKS fillies; overall a pretty weak bunch this year.

Thanks for the information.

Does anyone know what \"field\" horses made it into the Kentucky Derby from the futures bet? I made an early bet since the Baffert-trained horses were not listed and I figured at least a couple would pop up with other trainers -- Taiba and Messier did.

Why do you think they are hell-bent in taking down Baffert in the states of New York and Kentucky? Just asking. I agree most of this is \"hyped up nonsense\" but they are really after him. I say again that in my opinion it is because he (under the surface) is very unlikeable. Also, arrogant; refuses to accept ANY responsibility for anything; acts like he is untouchable (he IS in California); and has too many lawyers and friends in high places.

He has really pissed of those who run racing outside of California. Should that matter? Possibly not -- but it always does.

From the DRF article I cited earlier about the possible 2-year ban --

The hearing officer, O. Peter Sherwood, a retired New York Supreme Court justice, recommended the two-year ban after accepting arguments from NYRA's attorneys that the "evidence establishes that Baffert has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the best interests of Thoroughbred racing in that he has harmed the reputation and integrity of the sport, as well as the public's perception of the sport's legitimacy."
According to Sherwood's report, "NYRA also proved that each time Baffert was charged with a violation he provided an implausible excuse, and blamed others for conduct that he, as the trainer, was responsible for as a matter of law."

As for punishments by other sports you mention --
Astros were fined $5 million and forfeited first and second round picks in 2020 and 2021. Severe enough? Not really -- but I am biased. (Still significant).

Patriots \"Spygate\" scandal resulted in a $500,000 fine for Belicheck, $250,000 fine for Astros and loss of first round selection in 2008 draft. (Pretty significant).

As you say, UNC got off easy.

Maybe, a better comparison of Baffert\'s situation is Marge Schott, former owner of the Reds. Her racist comments led to a 2 year ban from MLB.

https://www.drf.com/news/nyra-hearing-officer-recommends-two-year-ban-baffert

So far in their careers, is this the strongest overall 3-year old filly division in your opinion?

Interesting. Taiba is an Urdu word --

The meaning of Taiba is \'a woman who loves to repent to Allah for all sins, minor or major, and always prays to God for forgiveness. \'

The owner is the same fellow who owned Medina Spirit. I assume the horse was named before last years\' derby but possibly not... .

That WAS very strange. Trainer will be looking for another jockey (to blame). Owner should look for another trainer.

Well, at least your response was more genteel than a slap in the face.

Looks like many (me included) bet the All Others in Pool 4 because Messier was in that group. Only because the Baffert horses were not included as sole betting entities. Odds got hit pretty hard. As you point out -- he still needs to make the field.

Baffert has at least 5 lawyers (who have all been quoted in the press at various times) not including support staff. If he continues to lose he will not collect lawyer fees from defendants. Maybe the other way around. His legal bills will top $1,000,000 I would estimate. Possibly much more. They have been working non-stop now for 11 months.

The suspension, which will be honored by racing jurisdictions across the country, will result in Baffert having to disband his Southern California stable due to California Horse Racing Board rule 1843.3, which mandates any trainer who receives a suspension of 60 days or more be banned from all CHRB-licensed facilities. In addition, the rule states, \"During the period of suspension, such trainer shall forfeit all assigned stall space and shall remove from the inclosures (sic) all signage, colors, advertisements, training-related equipment, tack, office equipment, and any other property.\"

With the denial by Kentucky Court of Appeals dated 4/1, it is highly likely that Baffert will be denied the ability to enter horses at any track in the United States beginning Monday. Under a system known as reciprocity, racing commissions honor suspensions that are handed down in other states.

OK -- one final comment from me on this. What, in your opinion, should be the remedy regarding the positive (and I agree if it is topical -- not a performance enhancer)? In other words, let\'s just say it was a screwup as you say. The rules being the rules -- so, just ignore the positive even though the allowed tolerance is zero -- (no matter how it got into the horse\'s system)? Amend the rules after the fact? No suspension? No fine? No DQ and purse redistribution? Just wondering.

Baffert\'s problems are heightened due to his arrogance. Possibly you feel that should not matter but it does. Most people are tired of Baffert -- his positives -- his lame and ridiculous excuses -- his army of lawyers. When someone gets caught (repeatedly) and the powers that be do not like them -- there are consequences.

Baffert has been treated with kid gloves for decades...until now. No sympathy for the guy.