Bob Baffert's Resurgence at Churchill Downs
Bob Baffert's Suspension and Its End
In the 2021 Kentucky Derby, the owner-trainer duo sent out Medina Spirit, which initially won but was later disqualified due to a banned race-day medication. This led to Baffert being suspended from running his horses at Churchill Downs Inc-owned tracks for over three years. Despite legal challenges failing, the ban was lifted after a lawsuit by Zedan was dismissed. This long-standing feud between Baffert and Churchill Downs has finally come to an end.Baffert's absence from the tracks was a significant setback, but his return is now generating a lot of excitement among racing enthusiasts. The colt Barnes, with its promising pedigree and the presence of Martin Garcia on its back, is expected to make a mark in the racing world.
Other Notable Races and Events
Nooni, a 2-year-old filly trained by Baffert, ran sixth in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1) on November 1 and is nominated for the $225,000 Fern Creek Stakes on November 30. Santa Anita Park recently renamed the San Antonio Stakes to the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes in honor of the Hall of Fame jockey. Pincay, known for his exceptional riding skills, won the San Antonio five times during his career and retired in 2003 with an impressive record.The opening day card at Santa Anita Park features several graded stakes races, including the Malibu (G1) for 3-year-olds, the La Brea (G1) for 3-year-old fillies, the American Oaks (G1) for 3-year-old fillies on turf, the San Gabriel Stakes (G2) on turf, and the Mathis Mile on turf. These races add to the excitement and competitiveness of the racing season.
White Abarrio's Comeback
White Abarrio made a triumphant return to the winner's circle over the weekend. After a 168-day absence, the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner romped by 10 ¼ lengths under Irad Ortiz, Jr. in a 7-furlong optional claimer allowance at Gulfstream Park on Friday (November 21). His previous race was on June 8 when he finished fifth in the Met Mile (G1). After the Met Mile, he was sent back to Joseph, for whom he won the 2022 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) and Florida Derby (G1).Joseph expressed relief after the race, stating that it was an important decision-making race for White Abarrio's future. The horse is likely to be pointed to the Harlan's Holiday Stakes (G3) on December 21 as a preparation for the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) on January 25. This shows the high expectations and potential of White Abarrio in the upcoming races.