Baffert returns to Derby saddling another favorite
Trainer, four-time winner, pushes on with highly regarded Justify
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bob Baffert is back at the Kentucky Derby with early favorite Justify after watching the race from his sofa in Southern California last year.
The Hall of Fame trainer’s ability to produce Derby contenders year after year is an enviable feat and why his absence a year ago stood out. It was just his second since 2009 and occurred because his lone candidate got hurt.
Baffert will saddle Justify and 30-1 shot Solomini in Saturday’s Derby.
Justify is one of the greenest colts Baffert has brought to Churchill Downs. He’s won all three of his starts by a combined 19 lengths. If Justify wins, he’d be the first to do so without racing as a 2-year-old since Apollo in 1882
“The thing about the Kentucky Derby, you have to have the right horse. It just happens. You can’t force it,” Baffert said. “All of a sudden, you have good horses and you’re there. So I’ve been really fortunate to have some really good horses.”
Baffert’s four victories are tied for second-most in Derby history. He’s finished second three times, too, including in 2012 with Bodemeister, also the last time he had two starters in the same year.
Like Justify, Bodemeister didn’t race as a 2-year-old. He set a blistering pace and led the Derby until the final 150 yards when I’ll Have Another overtook him to win by 1 ½ lengths.
Magnum Moon, the 6-1 third choice, also is unbeaten and didn’t run as a 2-year-old.
“It’s going to happen,” Baffert said,
referring to the curse being broken. “Whether it happens this year or whatever, but it will happen because Bodemeister almost got away with it. But I don’t really worry about that.”
Baffert almost had a third starter this year until Mckinzie developed a hind end issue that knocked him off the Derby trail.
“When Mckinzie got hurt, I wanted to throw up,” he said. “I really think Mckinzie would probably be second choice here. We’d really have a 1-2 here.”
Justify cleared the biggest pre-derby hurdle by drawing the No. 7 post. Jockey Mike Smith can use the colt’s early speed to position him well for the long run to the chaotic first turn. Solomini ended up in the No. 17 post; no horse has ever won from there.
Baffert turned 65 in January, making him eligible for Medicare and retirement at most other jobs. However, he entertains no such thoughts.
“I work hard at it. I just don’t give up,” the white-haired trainer said. “I’m constantly meeting people. They’re sending me horses. If you don’t have success, you’re not going to get those opportunities.”
After a successful run in the quarterhorse ranks, Baffert switched to thoroughbreds. He started with one horse.
“After 25 years, I’m finally getting horses that I don’t have to buy,” he said. “The big guys are sending me horses.” book director Jason Simbal, horse owner Jerry Benowitz, handicapper Marco D’angelo (Wagertalk.com) and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas senior vice president of gaming Brian Benowitz.
Free pizza and soda will be served at the event in the race book hosted by Sunset Station sports book director Chuck Esposito and Brian Blessing, host of Sportsbook Radio and Vegas Hockey Hotline on KSHPAM (1400).
The seminar also will feature analysis from Richard Eng of the Daily Racing Form and Steve Davidowitz of Gaming Today.
Attendance is free to all boarding pass members and there will be giveaways and free beer and hot dogs for all attendees. Guests also can enter a drawing for a chance to win $2,000 on Saturday and will receive a free Twin Quinella wager for a chance to win up to $20,000. The event inside The Railhead will feature speakers Gordon Jones, Tony Vega and Jodie Vella-gregory.
The event at the race book will be hosted by Ralph Siraco, Patrick Mcquiggan and Toby Turrell.
6 p.m., Sunset Station 6 p.m., Boulder Station 6 p.m., South Point 6 p.m., Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin
Veteran handicapper Bob Ike and sports book director Duane Colucci will handicap each horse inside the Cascade Lounge and all guests will be entered into a raffle for free slot play that will take place during the seminar.
Horse racing expert Jerry Jacovitz will host the seminar inside the race book.
Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on Twitter.
6:30 p.m., Texas Station