Baffert jockeys' strategy in the Arkansas Derby.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

He doesn't have a horse in the Wood, Lexington, or Illinois Derby. He also passed on the Louisiana and Florida Derbies.


I noted that his horses in the SA Derby were second-stringers. Seattleallstar had a valid reason to question why Baffert would put his two top candidates in the same race.


No, he didn't.


But you said there weren't a lot of options, yet there are. And Baffert isn't running out of options, he's simply not utilizing the other spots for some reason, which is kind of odd, considering he's started and had previous success in the Wood, Louisiana Derby, and Lexington.

i know others remarked on him not running in louisiana. i do find that odd since he used to go there rather often. some of the other places as well...i'm sure he's got a reason for limiting himself.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Danzig

i know others remarked on him not running in louisiana. i do find that odd since he used to go there rather often. some of the other places as well...i'm sure he's got a reason for limiting himself.

Are you forgeting about crossing the Rockies? Very difficult for a horse to do.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by pointman

Are you forgeting about crossing the Rockies? Very difficult for a horse to do.

he's crossing them to get to oaklawn.

i just don't understand why some posters think it odd he'd have a multiple entry at oaklawn, when he has multiple entries at santa anita for the derby. i think in the norfolk every year he has more than one entrant. it happens, so what?

[Mike]

Ahmed Zayat, the owner of Bodemeister, on Sunday said he would speak to Baffert first before naming a rider for the Derby. Mike Smith rode Bodemeister for the first time Saturday, a choice made by Baffert, who had Rafael Bejarano stick with Secret Circle. Bejarano had also been riding Bodemeister.

[northeastbound123]

hearing smith is going to stay on Bode

[pointman]

Originally Posted by northeastbound123

hearing smith is going to stay on Bode

It is the shocker of the day. Baffert has confirmed on twitter Smith riding Bode in Derby.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by pointman

It is the shocker of the day. Baffert has confirmed on twitter Smith riding Bode in Derby.

i don't find it shocking. when i read the other day that smith 'intended' to ride daddy nose best in the derby, i just laughed a little to myself.