Baffert, Shah Kaleem lose Clutch Player to pnuemomia
 

Promising Baffert-trained 3-year-old dies
By Brad Free

ARCADIA, Calif. - Clutch Player, the Bob Baffert-trained Kentucky Derby prospect, died Monday after contracting a form of pneumonia over the weekend, the trainer said.

A colt sired by Malibu Moon, Clutch Player scored a four-length debut victory Dec. 19 at Hollywood Park, the day Baffert won four races including the Grade 1 CashCall Hollywood Futurity with Lookin at Lucky. Clutch Player won the six-furlong maiden race in a quick 1:08.91, earned an 87 Beyer Figure, and was expected to stretch out early in the Santa Anita meet.

Baffert said the colt got sick Friday at Santa Anita, and shipped immediately to Chino Valley Equine Hospital. "In 72 hours, he was gone," Baffert said Tuesday at his Santa Anita stable. "The mood here has been pretty somber." The owner of Clutch Player is Shah Kaleem, whose colt Take Control (by A.P. Indy and out of Azeri) won his debut on Dec. 30.

I just saw this on DRF. What a NICE horse and a TERRIBLE shame.:(

This is awful!

What a shame! Feel sorry the Owner and Bob. It just goes to show you how delicate these horses are. One thing for sure it was not from the lack of care in that barn.

What a shame. I really feel bad for the connections.