So I guess Baffert believes Chitu is better suited for a mile? He seemed to get the 1 1/8 in the Sunland pretty easy, but if anyone would know what's best, it's Baffert.

Steve - Curious what you're hearing as to why Chitu's connections have now chosen to skip the Trial and run for the roses? Is it the owners pushing this? Does Baffert agree with it? Do you personally think Chitu can get 10f and be a threat in the KD?

Check the Derby Trail Prep thread, I think Steve said what you need to know.

Mrs. Chu wants to run in the Derby. While he does have the strong stamina influences of the A.P. Indy mare and her family, it seems implausible that he will be more than a pace victim here. He's not Trinniberg, but does he compare on a scale versus a Noble's Promise, Shackleford, Bodemeister is the question? Think he further prompts an already contentious pace. This was bad news for the forward types and good news for the rallying types.

Here's a portion of Jay Privman's piece from Sunland Park last month...

Chitu letting owner live her Kentucky Derby dream
By Jay Privman

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. – Susan Chu first became interested in horses through riding, which she still does, as does her 11-year-old son, Jerry. But a trip to the 2010 Kentucky Derby helped pique her interest in Thoroughbred racing, and she got the support of her husband, Charles, to get involved as more than a spectator.

Chu now has just a handful of runners, but what success she’s had. Last year, she had one of the most promising and precocious 3-year-olds in Super Ninety Nine, who won the Southwest Stakes and then was third in the Santa Anita Derby before he went to the sidelines.

Super Ninety Nine is working regularly at Santa Anita and is nearing a return to action at age 4, but in the meantime, Chu has seen her Derby aspirations realized to an even greater degree this year. On Sunday, Chu, her husband, and her son were all here at Sunland Park to watch their 3-year-old colt Chitu win the Sunland Derby, earn a $400,000 payday, and haul in enough qualifying points to virtually guarantee him a spot in the Kentucky Derby on May 3. Chitu earned a 102 Beyer Speed Figure for his Sunland Derby effort.

“This has been our goal. We love the horses so much,” Chu said. “I got interested a couple of years ago, when I went to the Kentucky Derby and saw Super Saver win. It was a totally different feeling than with show jumping.”

My guess Baffert thinks Bayern is the better horse for the Derby and rather get the scratches necessary including Chitu to get him in.

Thanks for the info, Steve.