(Rich Strike / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

On Tuesday, May 10, I went up to Northern Kentucky and walked door-to-door for a great friend of mine; a great legislator; and a great friend of Thoroughbred racing, as well. Seems as if a bunch of loonies thought it was time for a change in the Kentucky General Assembly, and instead of going after another bunch of loonies (which are plentiful, these days) they went after one of the good guys.

The following day, I went to my 91-year-old moms for lunch and after a most delicious meal — per usual — I started to feel a bit, let’s call it “weird.” In other words, not 100%.

The next day, I started to feel a bit “weirder,” if that is a word. In other words, not 50%.

The next day, I went to the lake house and by the time I got to the water’s edge, I was thinking that it may be time for a cool dip in a concrete bathing suit. In other words, not 0%.

The next day, I tested positive for Covid, and it has been a battle ever since.

For the past 2+ weeks, I have felt like the infamous “muck pit,” of which I write about occasionally, had been dumped squarely on my head, and I felt like I could definitely use a dose or two of Bob Baffert’s famous ass cream. If that stuff could make Medina Spirit run like a champ, I was willing to give it a try.

After all, I’ve been vaccinated; boosted twice; had an infusion and now have even tried the experimental drug Paxlovid. I probably glow at night, by now. Right? What’s a little ass cream going to hurt. I’m not planning on running any races soon.

But…(seems to be the operative word, right)…there’s always a “but…”

Glad to say, and I’m sure much to the chagrin of the affable barrister Clark Brewster and the stellar legal team of “Baffling Bob,” I am back on my feet today. And, I’m happier to say that I am headed to Key West on Tuesday for a little “R&R” and to finally celebrate the wedding of my great friend and constant allies, Rob & Michelle.

Before departing though, I thought it may be nice for some “Dating Game”-like “parting gifts” from the whacky world of Thoroughbred racing. Well, at the very least, it will be nice for me.

Here’s some quick hitters for you to nibble on until we meet again:

(Medina Spirit the day after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

If You Think “Ass Cream” Is A Hilarious Excuse (And, It Is) ; Have You Heard About or Read Baffert’s Latest Legal Claim?:

Sometimes you read something and you are simply left shaking your head. Like “Alice in Wonderland.” Like the comic book “Archie.” Like anything from Stephen King. Like most of the legal filings on behalf of the embattled and suspended trainer Bob Baffert.

You read these and you wonder. Out loud. You can hear your own words break the silence:

“What the hell?”

After this year’s Kentucky Derby — which I might say was so enjoyable without any of the distractions and drama created by a certain white-haired trainer who thinks that the game evolves around him — Baffert’s legal brainchilds filed a new court motion in Kentucky.

On May 23, Baffert’s lawyers filed a motion seeking to end the trainer’s 2-year suspension from Churchill Downs, which we all know by now occurred after the oft-accused trainer’s horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for a drug overage following his win in the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

This time the “mud” (let’s just call it that, for now) that they threw against the wall?

It’s a doozy.

Get a whiff of this…if you dare…

(Health note: in my view, this one really does stink.)

This time, Baffert’s lawyers contend that Churchill Downs and its’ leadership team have no right to suspend Baffert since the world-renown race course is now, according to Baffert’s legal eagles and their latest pleas, a “recreation park.”

According to the filings, since Churhcill Downs took advantage of some “tax increment financing” options that were made available through legislation to assist and encourage companies to reinvest and invest in certain areas, Baffert’s team now contends that the track does not truly own the land and that, as such, has forfeited any right to exclude people from the property.

This is what, in part, the new filing contends:

“Defendants (Churchill Downs; its’ Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen; and its’ Board Chair Alex Rankin) have excluded Mr. Baffert from a municipal park, an action which has regularly been held to be a traditionally exclusive public function.”

It goes on to read:

“Mr. Baffert has a protected liberty interest in plying his track at Churchill Downs Racetrack, a public park. Mr. Baffert clearly has liberty interests in using public property for its intended purposes and to enjoy it in the manner he is expressly permitted to do by law, and Defendants interfered with those interests.”

Are you kidding me?

Wished I was.

(Health note: Don’t you just wish the guy and his gang would just go away? Just go somewhere else where people may want to buy this “mud” and allow you back on their track after you serve your 90 days of suspension? Just go away?)

Opinion is, I think most people in Kentucky are happy that Churchill Downs has taken advantage of the “tax increment financing options” and are reinvesting  billions in Churhcill Downs and revitalizing the neighborhood around it. Maybe the owners of Pimlico should look at doing the some of the same things. Don’t you think?

Opinion is, I think most people in Kentucky are happy that Churchill Downs has stepped up and defended the brand of the Kentucky Derby and held Baffert responsible for his horses testing positive and creating a nightmare around both the sport and its’ greatest race.

Opinion is, I think most people in Kentucky are just plain tired of Baffert and all of his ass cream excuses and legal cries of mistreatment.

Opinion is, I would like Churchill Downs to extend Baffert’s vacation from Louisville another two years every time he wastes the court’s time with another superfluous legal document and feigned injury of both soul and heart.

Opinion is, our sport doesn’t need Bob Baffert or anyone else like him. Or any more of his ass-cream whiny rants.

Opinion is, our sport does need the Kentucky Derby. And, fact is, our sport needs the credibility of the Kentucky Derby to be held to the highest standard. Today. Tomorrow. Always.

Thank God, Churchill Downs is making sure of it. Today. Tomorrow. Always.

Opinion is, the court should throw this latest legal twist by the “Baffert Barn” in the same garbage can as the old tube of ass cream.

By the way, was that tube ever found and either placed or put into evidence? By anyone? Just asking.

(Taiba / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

Just Asking…How Has Those Former Baffert Horses Done So Far In the Triple Crown Races?

Used to see a lot of Twitter posts from all those Baffert defenders how this year’s Kentucky Derby may lose its’ Graded Stakes status since some of the world’s best 3YOs would not be in this year’s version due to the suspension of the fallen trainer.

Used to see a lot of braggadocio about how the “Baffert horses” would dominate this year’s Triple Crown just to honor their former tutor and prove that the man is the world’s greatest horse whisperer of all time. Even in absence.

Used to see the Twitter wars heat up and detail how the Santa Anita Derby winner Taiba and the brilliant Messier — two of the betting favorites for this year’s Derby — would dominate this year’s event and prove, once and for all, how great Baffert truly is and that he could win the “Run for the Roses” from afar.

Used to see the defenders even try to defend the former Baffert pupil Armagnac, and how this longshot would carry the team’s battered flag in the 2022 Preakness Stakes.

Used to.

But let’s see.

Taiba finished, what, 12th?

Messier finished, where, 15th?

And, poor ole’ Armagnac finished, binoculars please, 7th of 9?

Don’t see much of those Twitter feeds about the Baffert horses any more.

Wonder why?

(Secret Oath and rider Luis Saez / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

Kiaran McLaughlin Has Done Wonders With  / For Jockey Luis Saez:

Once upon a time, and not so long ago, the only time you really heard the name of jockey Luis Saez was when he had run afoul of racing rules and regulations. Here. There. Every where. Or so it seemed.

He is the only rider in the history of the Kentucky Derby to be disqualified for a violation in the running of the race. That occurred when Maximum Security was disqualified for interference at the top of the stretch and allowed Country House to be moved up to winner of the 2019 “Run for the Roses.”

He stockpiled riding violations; Steward’s rulings; suspensions; and subsequent appeals like they were parking violations in Manhattan.

But in March 2020, just two short years ago, something significant came into Saez’ life. Or so it seems, on the outside looking in; on the ground looking up; in the clubhouse looking down.

Something significant seemingly changed Saez’ life. At least, from appearances sake, changed his life on the racetrack. And, at the very least, in the saddle.

In the Spring of 2020, Saez got a new agent. A new mentor. A new compass.

In the Spring of 2020, a man named Kiaran McLaughlin — a top trainer who was as used to running and winning Group and Graded Stakes as Saez was used to riding in them — walked into Saez life and gave him a serious leg up.

Now, Saez — who always had the ability to ride with the best — is crafting a reputation for being one of the best.

Now, Saez is finding a way to the winner’s circle without leaving a mess and chaos in his wake.

Now, Saez is on the verge of becoming one of America’s greatest jockeys.

On Kentucky Oaks Day, Saez guided Secret Oath to victory in the world’s top race for 3YO fillies. On Preakness Day, Saez won 3 Graded Stakes — including an impressive win on one-time Kentucky Derby hopeful Ethereal Road. They could team up again in the third leg of the Triple Crown and the Belmont Stakes next.

Once upon a time, people thought that Luis Saez had the potential to become of the great riders in the game. But only if he could rein himself in. But only if he could quit fouling and quit endangering the health of both horse and human.

That time has come. The “buts” and “ifs” are disappearing. The man is riding above and beyond.

And, in some part, it would seem and appear, that Kiaran McLaughlin has played a role.

I say a major role.

(2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

Rich Strike Helps Kentucky Derby “Strike It Rich:”

Unlike nearly everyone I have talked to since that first Saturday in May, I didn’t have the 3YO son of Keen Ice in the Kentucky Derby. Didn’t bet a single dime on him. Zero. Nada. None.

The only way I could encourage others to bet him was to hit the “all button” either across the board or in the exactas.

And, to be honest, I don’t know if I could bet him today knowing now that he won.

But the story of Rich Strike is exactly what this sport is all about. And, exactly the story that this sport needed. Now. And. Forever.

Rags to riches.

Claimer to Champion.

Little known to world renown fame and glory.

What other sport allows the true “little guy” the same chance at fame and fortune as the sport of Thoroughbred racing?

Quick answer?

None.

You and I can’t own the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Lakers.

We can’t own the New England Patriots or buy the world’s best soccer team, whomever that may be.

But you and I can get our hands on a racehorse, and if the luck is with us, we can get into a Grade 1 Stakes event. We can have our horse loaded into the same starting gate as the horses owned by the most rich and famous. We can start from the same spot. We can run to same finish line.

And, on that special day?

We could win.

Rich Strike did.

Mine That Bird did.

Others have in the past.

Others will in the future.

It is what makes us all dream that dream.

It is what makes this game the best of any games.

And, it is exactly why our sport does not need to tolerate those that either bend or break the rules; either on purpose or by some lack of oversight.

On the night after the 2022 Kentucky Derby, I sat at The Louisville Thoroughbred Society with hundreds of friends and family. Not a single person brought up the name of Bob Baffert. Not one.

No one missed the guy. No one cared whether he was at the Kentucky Derby. No one wondered what the race would be like without the guy around. No one.

Yet…

On the same night, nearly everyone was laughing and talking about the story of Rich Strike. Joy reigned. The story got bigger and better with every pour of your favorite beverage. The miracle came true. Dreams lived on.

Here’s hoping that in 148 years from now, they will still be running the Kentucky Derby.

Here’s hoping that in 148 years from now, someone talks about the time Rich Strike luckily drew in from the Also-Eligible List to win the Kentucky Derby as the 2nd highest longshot in history.

And…

Here’s hoping that in 148 years from now, that Baffert and his attorneys are no longer trying to make any more excuses for his mistreatment or malfeasance. After all, doesn’t it feel like 148 years since the 2021 Kentucky Derby?

(Rich Strike / Photo by Holly M. Smith)

Onto the Belmont Stakes:

Can’t wait to see if Rich Strike can hit another one out of the Belmont “Park.”

Here’s hoping he can.

Will be watching to see if he does.