Venue for August 1 . . .

[JolyB]

Originally Posted by RUFFIAN-333

BLOODHORSE

Trainer Bob Baffert said July 29 that he intends to scratch
four-time grade 1 winner McKinzie
from the $250,000 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar.

The son of Street Sense drew post 4 for the Aug. 1 sprint,
a factor that the Hall of Fame trainer believes could adversely affect
the horse's chances at victory based on what he's seen so far this season.

"I didn't like what he drew," Baffert said.
"He drew the inside, and this track hasn't been playing very good.

It's been really deep and loose.
If it would have been a shorter field and he drew outside,
we would have maybe taken a chance at it
because he needs to get pace around there.

But right now it's playing sort of weird."

What a strange comment. I've heard trainers announce scratches after drawing the rail or after getting the far outside on a two turn race. I think that this is the first time that I've heard of a trainer scratching an otherwise sound horse because he didn't like post 4. I had been wondering why Mr. Baffert decided to enter McK in a 6 furlong sprint. That hasn't been his forte. Is there something else besides the "horrible" post?