Celebrity horse racing trainer Bob Baffert isn’t having the best time of his life right now. Only days ago, Baffert and Hall of Famer jockey Mike Smith were handed a massive $700,000 fine by the California Horse Racing Board after Justify failed a post-race drug test after winning the 2018 Santa Anita Derby. And now, as the iconic trainer eyes adding yet another Kentucky Derby win to his cabinet, he’s looking to make his return with the prestigious Santa Anita Derby once again.

Winner of the legendary Triple Crown twice, Bob Baffert’s legacy is beyond reproach. And yet, as the drug fiasco casts a shadow on his reputation, Baffert remains steadfast. Keeping his head in the game, Bob seems to be looking to bounce back from the recent turmoil.

Bob Baffert sends in a mighty contingent

A recent article by BloodHorse.com shared Baffert’s intentions for his fans. According to the article, two of the equine stars from Bob’s stable are set to compete in the Santa Anita Derby for the 11/8 mile race on April 6. Imagination, the favorite seed for the $750,000 race, recently won the San Felipe Stakes (G2). Baffert’s other nominee Wynstock is also running high after his recent Los Alamitos Futurity win.

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Baffert’s association with the SA Derby goes back almost three decades when he first won the race in 1996 with Cavonnier. Imagination has collaborated with some of the country’s top jockeys, including Frankie Dettori. The duo won this year’s San Felipe Stakes and is set to get back on his stadle for the weekend’s race as well.

The Santa Anita Derby assigns 100 to 10 points to the first five finishers to ensure their spot in the coveted Kentucky Derby. Considering Baffert’s legacy, at least one of his two nominees is expected to secure a top-three finish. However, Baffert’s participation in the Kentucky Derby still pivots on a crucial factor.

The decisive factor for Baffert’s participation

In 2021, Baffert won the Kentucky Derby, only to be disqualified after Medina Spirit tested positive for betamethasone after the victory. The decision resulted in Baffert getting banned from the Kentucky Derby, which is still in place. However, to ensure Bob’s participation in this year’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby, Amr Zedan, one of Baffert’s clients filed a civil lawsuit in Louisville seeking a temporary injunction on the ban to allow Baffert’s horses to compete, reports LA Times.

“He has invested millions in trusting that the racing rules would be applied equally to all. There is no genuine reason for Mr. Baffert to be banned from Churchill Downs.“, said one of Baffert’s lawyers regarding the lawsuit filed by the thoroughbred owner. While Bob isn’t himself part of the lawsuit, he will surely look forward to the verdict in hopes of making it to Kentucky on its milestone edition.

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