A pair of Bob Baffert-trained colts headline the Santa Anita Derby Saturday evening, offering points to get into the Kentucky Derby.
Bob Baffert
The richest race in the world has attracted 14 entrants, while Woodbine's leading trainer sends out Time To Dazzle in the $2M Turf Sprint.
The California invader was third behind Journalism in the San Felipe (G2) last month and was winning his first stakes race.
The Kentucky Derby winner is back and takes on just one from trainer Bob Baffert after favourite Muth was scratched.
Just Steel, trained by legendary conditioner D. Wayne Lukas, finishes second, picking up 50 Kentucky Derby points.
The Gotham Stakes (G3) has a big field but is just a one-mile race and a stepping-stone to the big Derby prep, the Wood Memorial.
Muddy tracks played a role in Derby prep upsets, while the most impressive winner in California is not Derby eligible.
Preakness Stakes (G1) winner National Treasure was well prepared by Bob Baffert to hang on in the $3 million World Cup.
A field of 12 will contest the 1 1/8 mile invitational race on a stakes-filled card at Gulfstream on January 27.
Baffert is "at a loss to understand" why Churchill Downs will continue to keep the trainer out of its tracks for another year.
It was a day of mixed emotions for trainer Bob Baffert, who sent out National Treasure to win the Preakness.
Saturday night's Saudi Cup headlines a rich race card that begins at 7:45 a.m. February 25 Eastern time. TSN1 will show the Cup at noon.
Grade 3 winner was recently 15th in Kentucky Derby and the Sam-Son Farms-bred colt has had light recent training.
Following a second-place finish to stablemate Taiba in the Santa Anita Derby, Messier's trainer Tim Yakteen is excited.
WinStar, Zedan Racing and Commonwealth Thoroughbreds' Tonalist colt defeated Hot Rod Charlie with a strong late rally.
