BOB BAFFERT’S KENTUCKY DEBY HOPEFULS MOVED TO DIFFERENT STABLE

Trainer Tim Yakteen now in charge

The wait for Bob Baffert to move his Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders to eligible trainers is over.

A spokesperson for the trainer confirmed that being transferred are Robert B. Lewis (G3) winner Messier, San Felipe (G2) runner-up Doppelgänger and third-place San Vicente (G2) finisher McLaren Vale to Baffert's former assistant Tim Yakteen in California.

El Camino Real Derby victor Blackadder was moved to the Kentucky-based barn of Rodolphe Brisset, who told Horse Racing Nation the colt will race next in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park. Brisset already had become the new trainer for Barossa, another Baffert horse who appears to be off the Derby trail after going this week through the sales ring, albeit unsold.

The transfers of the horses, all owned by a partnership led by SF Racing, were reported first by the Los Angeles Times.

Messier is widely expected to race April 9 in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Doppelgänger may be pointed to the April 2 running of the Arkansas Derby (G1). The next race for McLaren Vale is uncertain.

The Santa Anita Derby, Arkansas Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks are 100-40-20-10 points preps, making each a win-and-you're-in qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. Since the cutline has never been higher than 40 since the points system went into effect nine years ago, second-place finishes are likely to result in Derby berths, too.

The Times story written by John Cherwa also said Baffert is considering the move of 3-year-old fillies to other trainers to try and qualify for the Oaks, for which no horse from his barn was nominated.

Baffert and his horses are ineligible to take part in the Derby and Oaks as part of a two-year suspension by Churchill Downs Inc. because of the drug test failed by the late Medina Spirit. That test led to the colt's disqualification as the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Baffert and his attorneys have been in Kentucky courts appealing both that ruling and his suspension.