Quote:
Originally Posted by azeri98
Why should being count in big races count more. He's being singled out because he's the best, just like Bonds and Clemens in baseball while other PED users are in the HOF. It shouldn't matter if it's the Derby or a 5k claimer. It is not irrelevant how others are punished. It's very relevant. It should be a standard penalty for all. Since the Derby there have been many trainers with drug offences regarding their horses. None were suspended from Churchill Downs. Therein lies the problem. It lacks credibility when you don't punish equally for the same crime. They will never ban Asmussen or guys like McPeek or Romans. They run too many horses at Churchill. Baffert was an easy target for 2 reasons. He's dominated the Derby lately and doesn't run a string at Churchill Downs.
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Exactly, his recent sudden dominance asks a huge question. He went almost 15 years without a Derby win and suddenly gets them in bunches. Did he all of a sudden hire a hot shot assistant trainer? No Did he change training methods? No (given his workout patterns) He never has been known as a trainer who gets to the barn early. So, how do you explain it?
Baffert has never once just admitted "hey we messed up". Making an error happens all the time, no matter the industry. The good companies admit the errors, do not hide behind excuses and make legitimate plans to resolve the situation (example Tylenol CEO appearing on 60 Minutes).
Given the large number of drug violations with little attempt (judging by the results) to correct the errors, how would Baffert survive a discovery in a trial? The repeated pattern of violations with no remorse (judging by his ridiculous excuses) makes him a stain on this industry. This gives Churchill the rare opportunity to play the good guy and rid the industry of a problem.
I have often asked a few questions about Baffert:
1. Why does he never produce good trainers the way Wayne Lukas, Charlie Whittingham or Bobby Frankel has?
2. Why has he never moved a string or relocated to Kentucky as Lukas and other trainers have? The sport and breeding is in Kentucky not California.
Another reason Baffert is different than the other mentioned trainers is his horses do not pass the eye test. His horses do not get tired, they get stronger as the race goes on. However, some times later the same "speed" horse returns a "normal" style of fading in the stretch.
This sport is based on public trust. If people stop betting on larger races that he is involved in, then the racetracks suffer, the purses will shrink and the sport will eventually erode away.
