Trainer Bob Baffert plans to return to training on Sunday, July 3, following the conclusion of a 90-day suspension issued by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. According to the Asbury Park Press, the nine-time winner of the Grade 1 Haskell could send one or more top 3-year-old entrants to the Jersey Shore for the 2022 edition on July 23.
Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development, which operates Monmouth Park, told the APP: “Bob Baffert has been a central piece of making the Haskell what it is today and has always supported Monmouth Park, and once his suspension ends he is welcome to come to Monmouth Park and participate in any of our races that he wishes to.”
The Haskell is a “Win and You're In” race for the Breeders' Cup Classic; the winner is granted an expenses-paid berth in the Classic starting gate at Keeneland this November.
Among Baffert's possible Haskell contenders are the following:
- Taiba, winner of the G1 Santa Anita Derby and 12th in the Kentucky Derby. Conditioned during Baffert's suspension by Tim Yakteen.
- Messier, 15th in the Kentucky Derby. Conditioned during Baffert's suspension by Tim Yakteen.
- Hopper, winner of the G3 Affirmed Stakes. Conditioned during Baffert's suspension by Sean McCarthy.
When the APP asked Baffert via text about the Haskell, the trainer responded: “I get back to training Sunday. Know more by the afternoon or Monday. Haven't seen horses for 90 days.”
Read more at the Asbury Park Press.
The post Haskell Could Be In Play As Baffert’s 90-Day Suspension Concludes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
