I was wondering if Baffert was just being defiant. If he could win all the major preps, he could render the Derby moot, and make it appear illegitimate. His hubris is on that level!

I sincerely doubt the owners will allow that.....I just wonder what keeps the owner groups with him this long?!?  Do they really think he gives them an advantage?  With Callaghan and Walsh.....young good trainers....as well as the obvious Pletcher and Cox, I just don't understand.....especially with such a good prospect like Corniche.

Tex, You make a lot of sense and the only thing I'll add ,The Trainers that spoke

their mind like Liz Cheney does may be left out adding to their stable . I know

Shirreffs thought it was overdone going way to far for a trainer to do his job.

He might get a horse or 2 if the owners go the route you suggest and Mandella and others

may get shut out. I think you can guess which California trainers get a shot. Maybe Jimmy Barnes. 

You doubt the owners will allow that, but wonder what keeps them with him? lol

smartyslew said:

I think you can guess which California trainers get a shot. Maybe Jimmy Barnes. 

I believe Churchill's rules now specify that a horse trained by a suspended trainer or anybody employed by that trainer, is ineligible.   That's essentially the Jimmy Barnes rule right there.

Trainer suspensions have become a joke with Baffert horses moved to Jimmy Barnes, Asmussen horses to Scott Blasi, Doug O'Neill horses to Leandro Mora,  Pletcher horses to (not sure who his main assistant is now.. Anthony Sciametta?), Richard Dutrow horses to his brother Tony, etc.   So Churchill finally fixed that. If an owner of a Baffert trainee wants Derby points (and ultimately, in the race, and/or to the Belmont Stakes) the horse needs to move to a totally unaffiliated operation.  

Looks like Emmanuel is scratched for today.....hope it's not serious

Yeah, I'm disappointed. Hopefully, it's just a slight fever, or something. 

Well I'm still looking forward to four other firsters at Gulfstream this weekend:

1. Vocalize - Out of Harmonize, in Race 7 today. 

2. Ciango - Out of a mare First Samurai, in Race 4 tomorrow.

3. Sensual Chocolate - Out of a Lightning N Thunder mare, in Race 11 tomorrow.

4. Omixochitl(f) - Out of a Goodbye Kid, in Race 7 Sunday.

How did these do ?

Anything coming up this week ?

3 yr old Beyer leaderboard thru 1/9/22 for 2022 Season.
-------
3-year-olds: male or female
through 01/09/2022

1. Vocalize - This son of Gr.1 winner Harmonize, finished 3rd. Looks like he needs more than 5.5f.

2. Ciango - Was never in the race. Probably will head to the turf.

3. Sensual Chocolate - Ran poorly as well.

4. Omixochitl(f) - Was wide throughout, and tired late. I think she showed some talent. Looking forward to a better trip next out.

This Saturday at Oaklawn, Stockpiler, out of a Bernardini mare, debuts on the dirt at a mile. Trained by Daniel Peitz. His 3rd dam is Azeri!