6/25 (BEL): Mother Goose S. (G1), New York S. (G2)

[Duvalier]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Baffert is being criticized for saying his horse would not ship in because she had a fever then entering her in another race less than 48 hours later.

Trainers made plans to run in other races when Royal Delta and Plum Pretty were pointing to the race. 24 hours notice to change plans with your horse is hardly enough time, that's why its somewhat amazing that they have a competitive field of seven. It's actually a credit to Pletcher, McLaughlin, Jones, and McPeek, who were willing to run in the race whether the two division leaders were in the field or not.

Who said it wasn't a competitive field? Why would Baffert put the filly on a plane and ship her across the country not knowing the severity of the ailment? If she was going to run in the Mother Goose she would've had to leave California pretty much that day or so. Entering her at Hollywood gives him time to find out what was bothering her with the option of still running this weekend if it was something really minor...if not she stays in her own stall and hopefully recovers from whatever was bothering her.

To blame Baffert because other trainers only had 24 hours notice that he wasn't showing up doesn't make sense...the chickenshit trainers who were looking to cherry pick spots are to blame.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Duvalier

To blame Baffert because other trainers only had 24 hours notice that he wasn't showing up doesn't make sense...the chickenshit trainers who were looking to cherry pick spots are to blame.

Perhaps Baffert is the one who was cherry-picking all along. The Hollywood Oaks was coming up with only 4 other horses and with an enticing pace advantage.

The fever story became much less credible when you consider that Baffert ended up entering Plum Pretty for the weekend anyways and didn't bother to enter any of the 3 fillies he originally planned to run (ie May Day Rose, American Lady, and Artuya).

[Duvalier]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Perhaps Baffert is the one who was cherry-picking all along. The Hollywood Oaks was coming up with only 4 other horses and with an enticing pace advantage.

The fever story became much less credible when you consider that Baffert ended up entering Plum Pretty for the weekend anyways and didn't bother to enter any of the 3 fillies he originally planned to run (ie May Day Rose, American Lady, and Artuya).

You could be right...I don't know what Plum Pretty's condition is. I'm just saying it isn't Baffert's responsibility to help map out a campaign for other trainer's horses and decide whether or not they enter certain races.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Duvalier

You could be right...I don't know what Plum Pretty's condition is. I'm just saying it isn't Baffert's responsibility to help map out a campaign for other trainer's horses and decide whether or not they enter certain races.

You really aren't so naive as to believe that trainers don't make decisions on where to run their horses based on who could be running against them, right?

[Duvalier]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

You really aren't so naive as to believe that trainers don't make decisions on where to run their horses based on who could be running against them, right?

No ****...but why blame Baffert for other people's decisions? They made their own choice as to what races they were pointing to, now they have to live with it.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Duvalier

No ****...but why blame Baffert for other people's decisions? They made their own choice as to what races they were pointing to, now they have to live with it.

I don't really understand what you're trying to do other than excuse Baffert for his probable dishonesty. Is it Baffert's fault that trainers were trying to avoid his horse in the Mother Goose? Absolutely not. Minor ailments happen with horses all the time and keep them from certain races. However, it's the fact that Baffert entered her in the Hollywood Oaks that makes it a s.hitty move.

I'm not a veterinarian but generally when horses have a fever they are in no position to run five days later. Now when they have a "fever"...

[declansharbor]

Baffert's move here doesnt hold a candle to the game of charades tht third person Repole and Pletcher pulled in the Derby.

[TouchOfGrey]

Plum Pretty may not run in the Oaks either.

DRF|Plum Pretty stands out in Hollywood Oaks - if she runs

By Wednesday, Plum Pretty had recovered from the illness and was entered for the Hollywood Oaks. On Thursday, trainer Bob Baffert cautioned that she may not start.

Baffert said he is taking a cautious approach to Plum Pretty’s participation in the Hollywood Oaks and will assess her condition until raceday.

“I entered her, but I don’t know if I will run her,” Baffert said. “I wanted to give myself the option. I worked her the other day, and the next day she was kind of quiet. I took the blood and it was normal. I just didn’t feel comfortable putting her on the plane.

“[Tuesday], she was full of herself. I’ll watch her until Saturday. We’ll make the call that day.”

[Indian Charlie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JZYEthsP1s