Well said.  As is this article:

Our Voices:  Enough Already

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/250072/our-voices-enough-already

this is probably a common use for this drug and a trainer or anyone else should asolutely know what is being used, even topically............for a rash. Bet they thought it would not get into his sytem,as a topical, but steroids are sneaky that way..........Sad for the horse,as he cannot speak for himself          

Sandy

This is exactly why we need the Governing Body that the Horse Racing integrity act is going to give us.

MS had blood drawn for a pre race drug test. The ointment is still being applied. Therefore Betamethasone is still going to be in his system, however I believe the threshold is higher and he will run.

Having the same drug rules from coast to coast will help immensely.

The vet at Pimlico said there is zero tolerance in Maryland, if it shows on a test he’ll have to scratch. They are using 2 labs for the test, with one sample. But I think they may not be using the ointment, she said they have 3 points of reference to see how it moves thru his system. Apparently they pulled a sample last Thursday as well to provide the inbetween sample.

Part of the problem is the medication rules are not consistent across the USA. 
A California vet prescribed a medication that is allowed in California, but is illegal in Kentucky.

I would think Baffert or someone on his staff would be on top of the medication rules in Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby.

So, the attorney blames Covid on not being able to implement Bafferts overseeing his horses with the vet he had picked. Really? Did he think it was going to be easy to do this? 
 

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/250083/hores-advisory-role-for-baffert-did-not-materialize

I also hate the mainstream media who does not know about horse racing. They also said Gamine tested positive the same day and was disqualified. -They are referring to Kentucky Oaks/Derby weekend. And this was our local media (sports).

Meanwhile, our local writer Dick Gerardi is predicting a one-two Baffert Finish in the Preakness Medina Spirit - first, Concert Tour - second, with Midnight Bourbon possible third.

Linda J. 
Northeast Philly 

All these excuses seem a bit much.

Meanwhile, our local writer Dick Gerardi is predicting a one-two Baffert Finish in the Preakness 

Wouldn't surprise me.

After reading this article, I’m even more disheartened about the state of racing and medications.  Maybe I’m naive or desire to give people the benefit of the doubt, but it’s very disappointing that the author indicates that this is more common than not.   A common thread also seems to be that no one wants to name names.

In the newscast I mentioned the host interviewed Barry Irwin who had pretty harsh words for Baffert.  Now this article appears on Paulick Report,

https://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/irwin-medina-spirit-positive-test-a-shot-heard-round-the-world/

My opinion may not be popular but I think it’s time that the hammer needs to drop on Baffert if the split sample comes back positive.  I don’t care what the excuse is that Baffert and his team come up with.  Even if it was a mistake, his negligence and carelessness  must be addressed and stopped.  He is causing harm to thoroughbred racing.   Now he comes up with the lame excuse that because of Covid it interfered with him hiring an advisor.   A medication opinion can certainly be addressed on a zoom call.

Gamine tested positive for betamethasone after the Kentucky Oaks and I believe Baffert admitted that she had been treated with it and now he says they never use that medication.  Okay, then.

I have friends that are casual horse racing fans, they are disgusted by this.  I was on a shopping channel forum and there was a lengthy thread about this, with most participants not horse racing fans, calling for the end of horse racing and the poor horses.

When the most well known face of horse racing cannot get it right, it’s time he faces consequences.   He is causing great harm to the sport of thoroughbred racing.  No more excuses, get your act together Baffert.  Enough already.