TRACKSIDE WORLDWIDE

BIG NAMES AND BIG CASH HIGHLIGHT THE WEEK IN RACING

Bob Baffert, one of the most infamous names in racing, is gearing up for a much-anticipated return to the Kentucky Derby later this year. The legendary American trainer, sidelined since 2021 due to Medina Spirit's disqualification for testing positive for betamethasone, is poised to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.

Baffert’s hopes rest on a promising three-year-old named Barnes, who emerged as an early Derby favorite after a dominant performance in the Grade Two San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday, September 4th. Winning by nearly six lengths, Barnes displayed the talent that justifies his hefty $3.2 million price tag. It was a much better outing for the prized colt than what he showed on debut at Churchill Downs in November. The longer distance looked to have helped. The question will be whether he can step up beyond the 7 furlongs and perform over 1 1⁄4 miles. His owner, Amr Zedan, who previously owned Medina Spirit, must be confident in his chances now and will undoubtedly savor the prospect of redemption at the Derby in May.

Meanwhile, Santa Anita Park has halted racing over the past weekend due to the impact the raging wildfires have had on the wider L.A County. Concerns over air quality forced the postponement of the Friday, January 10th card to the following week. Officials hoped that racing could go ahead the next day. However, the Cal Cup was ultimately postponed on Saturday morning. The air quality has improved but the racetrack has become the focus of relief efforts, with officials making its car park a charity drop-off point.

In Australia, wildfires often dominate headlines this time of year, but heavy rain stole the spotlight on Saturday, January 11th, during the Gold Coast Magic Millions. The downpour interrupted the event after just three races, pushing the remainder to Friday, January 17th, for a special showcase under lights. The postponement was a setback for the Gold Coast Turf Club, which recently invested heavily in upgrading its facilities. 

Prior to Saturday’s postponement, it had been a joyful time for many in Queensland as the Magic Million sales raked in the big bucks. The all-time record for the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale was broken on consecutive days starting Thursday when Rebel Racing's Phil Cunningham touched down in Australia for the first time and promptly bought a colt by Snitzel for A$2.8 million. That record-breaking purchase was then surpassed by Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida who purchased the offspring of the superstar mare Sunlight. Sired by multiple group one-winning stallion Home Affairs, the Australian-bred yearling will be heading to Japan with its trainer, who hopes the filly will live up to expectations. 

Across the Tasman, New Zealand’s summer racing season hit its stride in Wellington, where hometown jockey Sam Pratt delivered a stellar performance. On Saturday, January 11th, Pratt claimed three of the day’s four black-type races, including the Group 1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile aboard Provence. The mare, trained by Stephen Marsh, secured her second win in just over two weeks, showcasing her growing form.

Veteran jockey Craig Grylls also made headlines, guiding Whangaehu to victory in the Group 3 Life Direct Trentham Stakes with a thrilling finish. New Zealand’s racing calendar now turns toward the Karaka Millions, set to light up the night in less than two weeks, where familiar names like Pratt, Marsh, and Grylls are expected to feature prominently.

written by Joe Bell