And i pictured you as a Richard Mandella type of trainer!

 Is Baffert hoping that Yak fails, further emphasizing that HE makes the difference?

I hadn’t thought of that….

I don’t think that Cox has an asterisk.The horse which finished ahead of him tested positive for a prohibited substance and was rightfully disqualified.

I think you'll really like this, my friend, as you enjoy the international sport.  

Here's an interview with Masa Matsuda, the assistant trainer and exercise rider of Crown Pride.  Masa's English is coming along.  He's a delightful fellow.   

https://mobile.twitter.com/kentuckyderby/status/1519340923687215106

Interesting interview.Liked his answer when asked about where Crown Pride would be placed in the race.Kelly Breen could learn a thing or two from him

The asterisk is simply that he has yet to have a horse cross the finish line first.  That's all.  Doesn't mean his horse shouldn't have won the Derby after the disqualification.  Same goes for Country House and Mott.....

Baff has been with the owner + trainer in 2 races. He wants his colt to win and owner graciously accepts trophy purse and no regrets or bad feelings about last yr

Kelly has won more significant races than Japanese trainer by far and wide turns.

Japanese colt is the longest of colts in my win spot. Dogs hopes his / trainer's legs don't weaken getting the colt ready to the gate. The colt should go off at 10th choice.

I really vetted the whole Japanese entourage, yet, that they forgot the colt never heard the starting bell at the gate ..and bell spooked him in Churchill training gate: and tossed  the regular Japanese exercise rider. Not good.

No second chances in the Derby 

Yes and they have been schooling him on the bell. 

Masa is very competent and has confidence in both his methods and the horse.  

That said, he's a longshot but I would not be surprised if he factors in the top 4.

He is the fittest of the fit.  I expect a good outing.