We need to change the Derby name to Baffert Derby!

[topgun]

Hello,

I don't understand why all the other trainers in America can not get in front of a Baffert horses and we all know his horses will always re break, they do not get tried. They all train on oaks , hay and water, right?

[PaceAdvantage]

Oaks is key

[f2tornado]

Johnny V, who has as many Derby wins as Baffert since he was on Animal Kingdom, with an assist from a golden post draw won that race for Baffert. He likely doesn't win that race from, say, the 15 hole.

[Maximillion]

Being on a clear lead surely didnt hurt....at the same time had he been mid-pack I dont think it would have mattered, as long as he was reasonably close.
He would have won anyway in my opinion.

[Rex Phinney]

Originally Posted by f2tornado

Johnny V, who has as many Derby wins as Baffert since he was on Animal Kingdom, with an assist from a golden post draw won that race for Baffert. He likely doesn't win that race from, say, the 15 hole.

You're right, this Baffert guy doesn't seem to have a clue when it comes to these horses. The cards just fall his way.



Every Time.


My take is that Baffert best understands the current state of dirt racing, That you have the best chance with a horse right on or near the lead, from the word go. He seems to build this into the types of horses he puts in his barn, how he trains them, and how he races them.



Immediately after the race Baffert said if you put this little horse on the lead he will fight. Johnny V did an excellent job no doubt. But I find it really hard to believe that coincidence, luck of the draw or rider decision ended up putting the horse in that position.

[Psychotic Parakeet]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

Oaks is key

A bit hard on the teeth, but yes.

[f2tornado]

Originally Posted by Rex Phinney

You're right, this Baffert guy doesn't seem to have a clue when it comes to these horses. The cards just fall his way.

No knock on Bob here. Baffert won and kudos to him. He's the Tom Brady of racing. That said, Bob did not seem as confident on this one even telling one interviewer, "...you probably won't need to talk to me later". Some luck certainly bounced his way in addition to a wise strategy of sending. Rock lost a shoe and potentially slowed EQ. Medina had a clear path from a nice gate with a highly competent pilot and eked out the win. That half length is eviscerated from an outside hole. Who knows what happens if EQ drew, say, the 5 hole. It doesn't matter since Bob holds the trophy. I don't think Medina is near as good as Bob's other winners, but a winner nevertheless.

[stuball]

We should rename it "THE KENTUCKY DERBY SPRINT" because all the horses being bred today are bred for SPEED and not for ENDURANCE. Classic breeding used to be balanced -- now it is not -- end of story