The Derby Trial GR III

[TJ]

Baffert called an audible and entered Bayern and Chitu in here. Announced he will scratch Chitu and run him in the Derby, effectively knocking out Commanding Curve. He leaves Bayern (sans Blinker's) in here instead. PP's below, TJ

8th RACE. (C9) Post 10:01PM The 90th Running of Stakes
THE DERBY TRIAL (Grade III) PURSE $150,000 Added 1 Mile
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS.
1 BAYERN (L) '11 C E0 118 Napravnik, R Kaleem Shah, Inc. Baffert, B
2 CHITU (L) '11 C E0 123 Rosario, J Tanma Corporation Baffert, B.........(WILL SCRATCH)
3 BIG SUGAR SODA (L) '11 C 118 Santana, Jr., R Robison, J. Kirk and Judy Asmussen, S
4 FRIENDSWITH K MILL(S) (L) '11 C 118 Desormeaux, K Haymes, Neil, Kenney, Dave and Wonderland RacingStablesO'Neill,
5 MATADOR (L) '11 C 118 Leparoux, J Oxley, J Casse, M
6 EMBELLISHING BOB (L) '11 C 118 Hernandez, Jr, B Cherry, M Margolis, S
7 LADDIE BOY (L) '11 C 118 Elliott, S Jacobsen, K Peery, C
8 BITTERS 'N BOURBON (L) '11 C 118 Lanerie, C Land, Robert and Brockway, Becky Moquett, R
9 SPOT (L) '11 G 120 Velazquez, J Moss, J Zito, N
10 MYOSITIS DAN (L) '11 C 118 Rocco, Jr., J Jones, B C Proctor, T
Blinkers Off: Laddie Boy Blinkers On: Bayern
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_viewe ... m3=1079504

[Cree]

This is a far better spot for Bayern, at this stage. If he's the horse they are expecting him to be, I think he will dust this field.
How is Chitu going to handle such a long break between races? He is the horse that lost some time from a hoof (?) problem, right?

[TJ]

This is a far better spot for Bayern, at this stage. If he's the horse they are expecting him to be, I think he will dust this field.
How is Chitu going to handle such a long break between races? He is the horse that lost some time from a hoof (?) problem, right?

Hi Cree,
I agree, it's a better spot for Bayern and a good prep for the Preakness. Don't know why Baffert even thought about running Chitu in here....was he really going to wheel him back a week later in the Derby? Chitu is running back in less than 6 weeks going into the Derby, not a very long break. It was Bayern who missed a race because of the foot issue. TJ

[TJ]

I just realized if Bayern wins the Derby Trial today, he will be eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby. Since he is tied with 20 points, the additional graded Stakes earning will send him to number 19 on the list skipping by Vinceremos and Harry's Holiday. He's is lightly raced and it's possible Baffert might just call another audible? TJ

[TJ]

Bayern
Spot
Embellishing Bob
Myositis Dan

[TJ]

Here's the finish, 3 noses separated the top 3 finishers:

Bayern (DQ'd placed 2nd)
Embellishing Bob (placed 1st)
Myositis Dan
Laddie Boy

[Cree]

I really hope Bayern doesn't run in the Derby. He seems like he isn't going to get the 10 furlong distance, he still has some learning/growing to do, and he was hard-pressed to finish first in the Trial.

[TJ]

I really hope Bayern doesn't run in the Derby. He seems like he isn't going to get the 10 furlong distance, he still has some learning/growing to do, and he was hard-pressed to finish first in the Trial.

Hi Cree,
He is ineligible to run in the Derby unless there are a couple more scratches. If he stayed up he would have been 19th on the list. With the 2nd place earnings he moved past Pablo Del Monte and is now #22 on the list. I was glad to see them put up Steve Margolis' number (used to be in NY with Howie Tesher). Myositis Dan was impressive! Below is the race video.TJ
http://www1.drf.com/displayVideo.do?tra ... ountry=USA

[TJ]

This is a far better spot for Bayern, at this stage. If he's the horse they are expecting him to be, I think he will dust this field.
How is Chitu going to handle such a long break between races? He is the horse that lost some time from a hoof (?) problem, right?

Hi Cree,
I wanted to tell you...both horses had foot issues. Chitu as well, sorry about the mis-info. Chitu actually has been training in a spider bar shoe and running in regular shoes. It was removed for his breeze this morning and will be removed for the Derby. TJ

[Cree]

I am not familiar with that shoe, what's it for exactly?
If he's having issues with the foot already (Chitu), I wonder if it's going to bother him for the Derby (ie. scratch before the race)?

[TJ]

I am not familiar with that shoe, what's it for exactly?
If he's having issues with the foot already (Chitu), I wonder if it's going to bother him for the Derby (ie. scratch before the race)?

Hi Cree,
It's one of many types of bar shoes (which have closed heels) which supports a certain weaknesses in the hoof, while it is remedied and grows out. Chitu's issue is supposedly healed and that's why he worked 3/4's today without it. He will be shod with regular racing plates for the Derby. Guess it's possible there could be some residual effect? Just one of many things going on we don't usually hear about in a race. Just learned his shoe came off in that work today, so maybe his wall is not doing as well as they think...I'm guessing glue on shoes for the Derby? TJ

[madelyn]

I was there for the race. Interestingly, I called it before it ran, with Embellishing Bob and Bayern inches apart for the whole thing, and Myositis Dan circling and closing. I had Laddie Boy too and should have done the Superfecta!! I placed my FAVORITE bet for that exact kind of race - exacta with ALL over Bayern. Got it by DQ but still got it. See my post under "color corner" about Spot!!

[TJ]

I was there for the race. Interestingly, I called it before it ran, with Embellishing Bob and Bayern inches apart for the whole thing, and Myositis Dan circling and closing. I had Laddie Boy too and should have done the Superfecta!! I placed my FAVORITE bet for that exact kind of race - exacta with ALL over Bayern. Got it by DQ but still got it. See my post under "color corner" about Spot!!

Hi Madelyn,
Yep, Spot is a neat looking little horse. I got to see him when he was at GP. Glad they put you up....also glad to see Steve Margolis awarded the win. TJ