Absent Baffert, Kentucky Derby Aims to Shine Through the Clouds

[claireokc]

The 148th Kentucky Derby might be remembered as much for the talent on the track as the trainer absent from the sidelines as Saturday’s first leg of the Triple Crown goes off without one of racing’s most recognizable figures. Bob Baffert, whose horses have won the Kentucky Derby six times, was suspended after last year’s winner, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a banned substance and was stripped of the title. Baffert has denied any wrongdoing but his horses will not feature in any of the races in the famed American triumvirate this year. Two Baffert-trained colts will be at the starting gate, however, after Messier and Taiba were both transferred to his former assistant Tim Yakteen. ...

Source: https://www.theepochtimes.com/absent-ba ... 50575.html