The Kentucky Derby 2024 is just over two weeks away, and it’s not just Bob Baffert whose fate is still waiting for a final verdict. While Baffert looks for his entry to the prestigious race, horse trainer Christophe Clement suspects an already-confirmed mare might have to bow out after a disappointing result on April 6 at the Wood Memorial. But that might be just the thing this year’s Florida Derby third-place finisher needs.
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The Kentucky Derby is one of the most coveted races not just in the USA, but also across the world. Over the last few weeks, all the nation’s top horse racing talents have been going all out to bolster their claim for the winning spot at next month’s race by showcasing their talent. However, for the Saratoga Race Course winner Deterministic, things aren’t looking very bright.
According to a recent article by BloodHorse.com, Clement thinks Deterministic, who is currently the 16th name on the Kentucky Derby 2024 leaderboard, may have to bow out of the race after an eighth-place finish at the Aqueduct Racetrack event earlier this month. “He’s not in or out of the (Derby) because a decision has not been made, but it’s unlikely he will run in the race based on the way he ran last time“, said Clement about the horse’s chances of appearing at the Kentucky Derby.
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The St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, Steven Duncker, and Vicarage Stable-owned horse bagged 50 points after winning the Saratoga Race Course on August 12 and also won the Gotham Stakes earlier this year. However, if the $625,000 worth horse exits, then that would bump Grand Mo the First to a higher ranking for next month’s race. Grand Mo already has 40 points in his net and sits as a pretty popular name after his display at the Florida Derby.
The prodigal son waits for his return to Kentucky Derby
The tensions between celebrity horse trainer Baffert and the Kentucky Derby’s head honchos have been twisting and turning along the way for months and still waiting for its culmination. After Baffert’s horse Median Spirit failed the post-race drug test after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby, the trainer was banned from the race.
However, one of his clients has filed a lawsuit seeking an interim slack that would allow Baffert to once again return to the country’s premier horse racing event. Baffert entered the Santa Anita Derby on April 6, where he finished second thanks to his horse Imagination.
However, the ban restricts Bob from qualifying for the Kentucky Derby 2024, but as the court seeks to deliver the final words on the matter this week, Baffert might still be en route for his seventh Kentucky Derby win after all. As the nation buckles up for a thrilling race at Churchill Downs, it waits to be seen if Grand Mo the First’s chances get any boost as Clement waits on a final call for Deterministic‘s fate.
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Sampurna Pal