Hall of Fame jockey John Velasquez retains the mount on Medina Spirit and is likely to employ the same successful tactic he used in the Kentucky Derby…go to the lead and never look back. If the break goes well (and it should be cleaner in a field half the size of Derby), Velasquez will have some immediate company. Irad Ortiz and Midnight Bourbon will be gunning for an early position,  as will Mike Smith and Baffert’s other horse, Concert Tour. 

 

Baffert goes into this race with a perfect record when he wins the Kentucky Derby. So, no one will be surprised if one of his horses is standing in the winner’s circle Saturday afternoon in Maryland. Baffert, however, will not be there. He’s sending his long-time assistant Jimmy Barnes, who will likely be given a lukewarm reception at best. 

 

This race will be watched by millions, but not because they are anxious to see another potential Triple Crown.winner. It will be watched to either root for or against Bob Baffert. No one dislikes Medina Spirit. He’s “the little engine who could”…the $1000 yearling taking on the million dollar blue bloods. But EVERYONE has an opinion about Bob Baffert. 

 

Horse racing has been under the microscope for several years due to tragic breakdowns and doping scandals. Horses have died. Trainers have gone to jail. It hasn’t been pretty. Now, the sport has another black eye. Another Kentucky Derby winner may be disqualified. If so, that’s two in three years. Bad optics. Very bad optics. 

 

And, bettors are angry. The money that drives this sport comes directly out of the gamblers’ pockets. They are frustrated and fed up. Many of the professionals and “heavy hitters” are boycotting the Preakness. There’s even talk of class-action lawsuits.  Can you blame them? They do their homework, make their selections accordingly, and have little or no recourse once the race is official. 

 

I wish all of the horses a safe, clean trip on Saturday. I cannot root against the $1000 son of the obscure sire Protonico. But, I can root for a better day in horse racing.