Kentucky Derby first-place finisher Medina Spirit recorded a bullet five-furlong move in 58 3/5 seconds on Monday at Del Mar, and the Daily Racing Form reports that the colt could make his first start of the summer in this Sunday's $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes.
The 3-year-old son of Protonico has not raced since finishing third in the G1 Preakness Stakes. Regular rider John Velazquez is expected to be up for trainer Bob Baffert. Others nominated for the Shared Belief include: Rock Your World, Stiletto Boy, The Great One, Classier, Defunded, Bobby Bo, Double Tough Tiger, Hudson Ridge, Isolate, It's My House, Laurel River, Mr. Impossible, Team Merchants, and Willy the Cobbler.
Baffert told Del Mar publicity on Saturday that the G1 Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 25 is the primary fall target for Medina Spirit, but that he was considering a local prep race depending on the outcome of Monday's workout.
Medina Spirit's Kentucky Derby win is in jeopardy due to a positive post-race test result for betamethasone, a therapeutic medication that is not allowed on race day. Baffert and his attorney have claimed the positive is a result of a topical cream used to treat a case of dermatitis on the colt's hindquarters. Though the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has not yet held a hearing, required to disqualify Medina Spirit, but Baffert and his attorney have already filed suit against the commission asking a judge to grant further testing of the post-race samples.
Additional stories about Baffert's Kentucky Derby positive and ensuing legal battles can be found here.
Read more at the Daily Racing Form.
The post Medina Spirit Appears Likely To Return In Sunday’s Shared Belief Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
