Bob Baffert

Lucky got a 97 Beyer for his impressive, troubled run. Give the same fig to Noble's Promise, not bad at all for his dirt and 3yo debut. Dublin was 3 back in third, so figure about a 90 for him. Not a terrible race for Dublin considering he was 5 wide the first turn, and then launched his move 4 wide on the far turn. That's not the place to be at Oaklawn.

Baffert a smart, and knows not to get ahead of himself. Very interesting that he only mentions Tiz Chrome and Take Control in addition to Lookin At Lucky, he has many more than three 3yo's. Baffert will be heard from one of the dirt tracks, longshot here, but Sunland Park is pretty close to SO CA and the Sunland Derby's new graded status should give at least two horses a spot in the gate for the DERBY.

Take Control - This was an extremely impressive debut for this son of Azeri and AP Indy! You have to see this replay! He closed at least five lengths and came home well under 24 seconds for the last quarter mile. Here were the fractions:
24.14
48.61
1:12.98
1:25.09
1:37.64

If he takes to the dirt, he could be a huge player in the Triple Crown.

Watch Tiz Chrome, a 2yo son of Tiznow, power away in this overnight stake at Hollywood on Saturday. Very impressive.

Lookin at Lucky is obviously going to be very tough... I do like one of Baffert's other horses, Marcello, to run a big race coming off a very nice turf 2nd in the Generous... possible upset? I don't know about that, but he could make a tight race of it at 15-1.

Colonel John would need a career best race and it might not be good enough, but an on-the-board finish at a big price? Maybe.

As for Zenyatta, a friend of mine posted this on Facebook: Bob Baffert on Zenyatta taking on the boys in the Classic: "It's a big question mark but it’s going to be answered. It’s a championsip race and that’s what it’s all about. If she’s a true champion she’ll do. It if she’s a filly and mare champion she won’t."

One thing is for sure, when that gate opens, there will be no stopping him. He will run as fast as he can for as long as he can. Fatal Bullet will be breathing down his neck pushing him faster than he has ever run before. Keep in mind, Baffert wants a cool day thinking a hot day changes the Pro-Ride surface to be unfavorable to his charge. Don't count the filly Fleeting Spirit out. Tons of class, beating on a huge fields of boys. Dancing In Silks is capabale of the upset as well sitting just off the Zensational/Fatal Bullet duel.

May be reading a bit too much between the lines, but I wasn't surprised Baffert decided to pass with Indian Blessing. More than the surface, I think it's the fact that Ventura is once again sitting on a huge race over the Pro Ride for Bobby Frankel. I like Informed Decision, also, but believe she'll be no match for Ventura in this race. Was hoping for some kind of value w/Ventura if Informed Decision, Indian Blessing and Sara Louise all ran. But, I've learned never to count on Baffert to be sporting, which would have been the case if he'd entered Indian Blessing. Believe they're all running for second behind Ventura. Still a good race but would have been better w/Baffert's filly. Thanks for nothing, Bob.

Once again, Lookin At Lucky was very professional in victory (Norfolk). He has a nose for the wire and is not afraid to get challenged. He has a home field advantage with the Cup at Santa Anita and could easily make it five straight.

I have been closely following Lookin At Lucky since his professional debut win at Hollywood Park in July. I am expecting the 1/2 to Kensei to enjoy two turns in the Norfolk. Likely BC Juvenile fav with an impressive effort on Sunday.