Bob Baffert blows his top after dodgy decision

The Kentucky Derby trail caught fire at the weekend with an epic duel followed by a controversial decision from the stewards as leading contenders Bolt D’Oro and McKinzie went head-to-head at Santa Anita.

In a gutsy effort, McKinzie just held off his rival to pass the post first by a head in the San Felipe Stakes – only for Bolt D’Oro, ridden by Javier Castellano, to be awarded the Grade 2 contest for alleged interference during the fierce battle.

The result was amended only after an 11-minute inquiry – a lifetime in US racing terms – and it looked a harsh verdict, as both horses were equally culpable, with Bolt D’Oro leaning on his rival at the top of the straight.

McKinzie’s trainer Bob Baffert was fuming. “That's some bulldust,” he said. “Javier had a better story, I guess. I’m shocked, after the way he hit us at the top of the stretch. What were they looking at? Apparently he talked them into it. That’s why they should never talk to the jockeys, just watch it themselves.”

McKinzie’s rider Mike Smith was also shocked at the decision. “That last hit, where he hit me in the ass, he turned me out,” he said. “I was just trying to ride my own race and he was on top of me. I mean he’s got the whole racetrack!”

Either way, with Bolt D’Oro 6.50 lengths ahead of the third, both principals emerged with reputations enhanced.

Battle will be rejoined in the Santa Anita Derby on April 7, vying for Kentucky Derby favouritism with most bookmakers.

Bolt D’Oro’s owner-trainer Mick Ruis expects his son of Medaglia D’Oro to come on for the run. “This was a stepping stone and that’s all we needed,” he said.

“Bolt hadn’t run in a while. This wasn’t the race we were looking to. We’re looking to the Santa Anita Derby and then that next race I won’t mention yet.

“He’ll be at his best in a couple of months. He has the heart of a lion. Just being within a nose of Baffert, I’m happy.” – racingpost. com