The entire nation will stand witness to the premier action of the Kentucky Derby on May 4. With the $5 million race around the corner, celebrity trainers and jockey stars are gearing up to go all-in and no one is under the spotlight more than Bob Baffert. The legendary two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer is still banned by the Derby authorities of the race because of a failed post-race drug test in 2021, but things might take a different route soon.

Baffert’s horse Imagination finished the 2024 Santa Anita Derby in second place, but the suspension order will not make him eligible for the upcoming contest. And yet, as one of Baffert’s clients seeks ways to get an injunction order on the ban, horse racing fans wait to see how things transpire on April 15.

Kentucky Derby faces tumultuous times ahead

In a recent article by paulickreport.com, Amr Zedan’s, Baffert’s client and owner of Muth, scurry to secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby has been shed light upon. Zedan’s lawsuit against Churchill Downs, the horse racing institution responsible for Baffert’s recent misfortune, has prompted a Kentucky judge to request both parties to return to the court next Monday for another hearing on the injunction plea. Baffert isn’t a party to the lawsuit, but will surely be following the developments of the case closely with hopes of making his 47th appearance in the prestigious race.

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Baffert’s suspension is expected to be carried through at least 2024, and that’s exactly what makes the whole situation volatile. The CDI made a motion to dismiss the injunction appeal, but it looks like the judicial experts believe there are still areas to ponder over before delivering a final verdict on the matter at hand. But the folks over at CDI maintain their staunch opposition to allowing Baffert to return to the iconic racecourse.

“The demand for a last-minute judicial takeover of the world’s most storied horse race … is baseless, outrageous and should be immediately rejected“, sounded CDI’s vehement objections, according to the article. If the final ruling actually goes in favor of Zedan & Co., Muth will have to arrive at Churchill Downs by April 27, and Baffert surely won’t be too far behind. But don’t expect a hall pass.

Contenders for the big match

If the situations pan out and tilt the scales in favor of Baffert, Muth will be facing off against some true heavyweights who all have notable claims on the Kentucky Derby. Fierceness, winner of this year’s Florida Derby and the top seed of the Derby Dozen, will bring the fight to Muth and Imagination will also have to up his game significantly if the colt hopes to keep Fierceness at bay. Sierra Leone, the winner of the recently held Blue Grass Stakes is the second-ranked horse on the list, and will not leave any stone unturned to make Baffert feel the anguish of having to stay away from the center stage after his arduous way back to the Churchill Downs course.

Having made a name for himself in Japan and Dubai, Forever Young is also a top prospect for the Kentucky Derby. Among others, Just a Touch, Dornoch, and the Santa Anita winner Stronghold are also considered being the main opponents who can hinder Baffert’s dreams of winning his seventh Kentucky Derby win. Who is your choice for the upcoming race? Share your pick in the comments below.

Kentucky Derby: Did Bob Baffert-Trained Imagination Steal $3 Million Race Position Despite Suspension?