Bob Baffert is changing course for the Santa Anita's Saturday feature race, the Grade 1 Awesome Again.
The Daily Racing Form reported that he will start Medina Spirit and Azul Coast in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up.
Baffert also had considered starting Laurel River, an 11 1/2-length winner in a Del Mar allowance race last out.
Medina Spirit, the disputed winner of the Kentucky Derby, enters the race after a win over Rock Your World in the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar.
Azul Coast is a 4-year-old who won an allowance race by a head last out at Del Mar after making his 2021 debut with a third-place finish in a July allowance at Del Mar.
The Awesome Again, a win-and-you're-in qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic, will be drawn Wednesday afternoon.
2021 Awesome Again (G1)
| Rank | Silks | Horse / Sire | Rating | Trainer / Jockey | Last Start | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medina Spirit Protonico | B. Baffert |
| Probable | ||||
| Idol Curlin | R. Baltas |
| Possible | ||||
| Tripoli Kitten's Joy | J. Sadler |
| Probable | ||||
| Express Train Union Rags | J. Shirreffs |
| Possible | ||||
| Tizamagician Tiznow | R. Mandella |
| Probable | ||||
| Azul Coast Super Saver | B. Baffert |
| Possible |
