Bob Baffert-Trained Mare Wins in “Devastating Fashion” Close to Legendary US Trainer’s Kentucky Derby Decision

With an absolute blowout, Adare Manor, trained by Bob Baffert, outshone her competitors in the Apple Blossom 2024. The win brings a fresh air after her two recent losses, which were the 2022 Black-Eyed Susan (G2) at Pimlico in which she finished second, and the Cotillion (G1) at Parx where she was placed sixth. However, her struggles did not go in vain.

The Bob Baffert-trained daughter of Uncle Mo proved a charm in the recent Apple Blossom horse race. The $1.25 million 11/16 mile race held at Oaklawn Park saw Adare Manor dominating it from the very beginning until the end line. This will surely give much pleasure to Bob Baffert, who awaits the decision about his Kentucky Derby participation after a doping ban.

A post on X showcased the race while writing, “2024 Apple Blossom To quote @3coltshandicap [Matt Dinerman], Adare Manor (Bob Baffert) wins the Apple Blossom ‘in a devastating manner'”. The 7-10 favorite in a field of nine mares started by leaving her rivals behind through the entire stretch and triumphed in the race by 5 1/2 lengths with Juan Hernandez riding on her.

The Twin Spires Racing also quoted for Adare Manor’s latest win on X, “She is back in business!” While Longshots dominated other placings with a 26-1 chance, the second position was achieved by Flying Connection who rallied from the tail of the field three parts of a length ahead of Free Like a Girl, a 58-1 longest price on the board.

The consolations were won by Shotgun Hottie, Taxed, Wet Paint, Bellamore, Misty Veil, and Honor D Lady, in order of their finishing scores. However, Adare Manor, which Michael Lund Petersen owns, returned $3.40 after completing the fast-track test in a mere 1:42.48 time stamp, helping her smooth over all her past challenges. Meanwhile, Adare Manor’s trainer, Bob Baffert, continues to be in troubled waters.

Bob Baffert’s standing in Kentucky Derby participation

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert has his name etched on Churchill Downs’ history six times. But misfortune struck him with his horse, Medina Spirit. It reached the finish line ahead of everyone, only to be disqualified for a failed post-race drug test. After the incident, the runner-up of the Kentucky Derby 2021 Mandaloun was declared the winner while Baffert was handed a two-year suspension. However, in July 2023, Churchill Downs announced that the suspension would continue through 2024.

Meanwhile, Amar Zedan, owner of Medina Spirit and Arkansas Derby winner Muth, filed a lawsuit demanding a temporary injunction so that Baffert can participate in the Kentucky Derby. According to the reports, Zedan and the Kentucky Derby will return to the court for a hearing on Monday 15th April. It comes at a very crucial time. The participating horses in the Derby have to be on the Churchill Downs grounds by April 27. As Baffert’s horses continue to rage on the field, it remains to be seen whether he can have the last laugh.