34 Derby/Oaks runners from 18 trainers..

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Kasept

If you're looking for differences between the two, Baffert doesn't have anywhere near the stock in number that Pletcher does. Over the last 4 years, Baffert has averaged 500 starts while Pletcher averages 1,000. To put that in perspective, Mott has 600/year, McPeek 500/year, McGaughey 250/year. Interestingly, Baffert over that period outperformed Pletcher, averaging $24,364 in earnings per start while Pletcher averaged $18,923.

It could just be my perception but it seems like they both get a ton of precocious 2 year olds, which turn into stakes caliber 3 year olds.

When Pletcher is winning every MSW at Saratoga and Belmont, then the first level allowances at Gulfstream, Baffert is doing the same at Del Mar and Santa Anita.

No arguing that Pletcher has more horses, but they are spread out over a few states whereas it seems like Baffert almost has a monopoly on a certain type of horse in California. Again, could just be perception, but often times for people perception is reality.

I don't see how either is actually "good" for the game by having so many horses, but it is also hard to argue with their success, which is the rub.