Chitu

[BitPlayer]

Jay Privman tweet on DRF home page reports Baffert says he\'s going to run Chitu in the Derby Trial (Rosario to ride).  Not ruling out running him back in the Derby.

[Old Mr. Boston]

By taking out Chitu and Midnite Hawk, Baffert makes it more likely that he gets Bayern in the race. Suspect he must really like the horse. (or maybe just wishful thinking since I have him at a nice number in the futures)

[louisvilleguy1111]

Considering MH and Chitu are avg at best IMO at a race of 1 1/8 or more, I would think Baffert would love to run a horse that prob has much more upside then a couple that look to have reached their max potential in distance races. In MH\'s case he has big time potential at mile races and under as long as the poor horse has not been milked dry, which could be the case unfortunately.

[touchgold]

what say do the owners have?

[louisvilleguy1111]

Do owners have a say absolutely... but would a smart owner let the trainer train and point their horse where they belong and have a chance to win?? You better believe ABSOLUTELY! Your paying top dollar for Baffert, let the guy do what he does and that is read condition books and spot horses where they belong. Just ones opinion nothing more. But I think Baffert knows what he has I mean sending them to Sunland Park for that Derby says more then what some people want to admit.

Sunland Derby would not be graded if it were not for Mine That Bird 50-1 stunner a few years back simple as that.

[touchgold]

I dont disagree. Except for the fact it obviously moves Bayern one spot closer. Also, if he isnt that high on him, why even mention wheeling him back in 7 days for the derby? If he wins the trial by daylight, not sure how that enhances his shot in the derby

[bellsbendboy]

Chitu was what Woody Stephens would have called a \"box seat\" horse.  Baffert makes the right move by the horse who had no chance to get ten panels; yet keeps his name in the headlights so Susan will buy him some more bullets.  bbb

[TMW]

Tanma Corporation appears to be very new to thoroughbred racing and so naturally would defer to Baffert. They have had mostly jumping horses and a few good ones at that including a champion.

It appears Baffert wants Bayern in at all costs. With Chitu and MH out -- so much the better as for getting him in. Owners have the final call but hard to go against an experienced trainer especially if the owners are new to the game. Local clocker said Bayern was only cranked 90% for the Blue Grass. Baffert\'s best chance -- at least it appears he thinks so.

Interesting at least. Let\'s see if the strategy works. Still has a way to go...

[louisvilleguy1111]

Man if he was only 90% ready for the poly at keeneland no wonder he was run right by at oaklawn park in the ark derby!! Lol just joking we all knew what you were talking about.

[TMW]

Whoops -- meant Arkansas Derby with Bayern.

[TMW]

You beat me by seconds as I tried to correct my mistake. Thanks for taking it easy on me though!

[touchgold]

back in the derby as of now