The New York Racing Association announced last month a ban of trainer Bob Baffert from racing or stabling at any of its tracks, a decision Baffert and his lawyer have since countered in court.

“In addition to the ongoing investigation into Medina Spirit's victory in the Kentucky Derby, NYRA has taken into account the fact that other horses trained by Mr. Baffert have failed drug tests in the recent past, resulting in the assessment of penalties against him by thoroughbred racing regulators in Kentucky, California, and Arkansas,” read NYRA's statement announcing the ban on May 17.

“With the ban on Bob in Kentucky and New York right now, our opportunities are limited to the Pacific Classic in late August,” WinStar president and CEO Elliott Walden wrote in a text to DRF. “With Improbable last year, we came east and ran in the Whitney which helped him win an Eclipse Award. We are continuing to evaluate the situation with Bob and will adjust as we need to.”

Read more at the Daily Racing Form.

The post Gold Cup Winner Country Grammer Moved From Baffert To Pletcher, Will Target NYRA Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Each of the three events is contested over the Classic distance of a mile and a quarter. The Big 'Cap is open to 4-year-olds and up, while the Gold Cup and Pacific Classic are open to horses three year olds and upward.

Santa Anita officials also announced that the purse for the China Doll S., a one-mile turf event restricted to 3-year-old fillies, will be raised by 33% to $100,000. The China Doll S. is one of five stakes on Big 'Cap day, four of which are graded.

Overnight races on the Mar. 6 undercard will see their purses increased by $15,000 each, an effort to ensure large fields and to reward owners and trainers that continue to support the local racing product on its biggest days.

For additional information on the 'Wild West Bonus,' contact the Santa Anita racing office at (626) 574-6352.

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