Baffert Oaks Runners in Doubt

Trainer Bob Baffert, who has a powerful duo in Saturday’s GI Kentucky Derby, may be without a starter in Friday’s GI Kentucky Oaks after his two possible contenders worked Monday at Churchill Downs. “TDN Rising Star” Luminance(Tale of the Cat), second in the GI Santa Anita Oaks, worked five furlongs in 1:02.80–22nd fastest of 32 at the distance Monday. Sunland Park Oaks winner Maybellene (Lookin at Lucky), working in company with GII San Vicente S. winner Lord Nelson (Pulpit), worked a half-mile in :48.80. 

“I might not run a horse in the Oaks,” Baffert said after the works. “The works were OK, but I don’t know if they are ready for that yet. There are a lot of races coming up. I wanted to get them here and watch them train. They are doing well, but I want to be in a more competitive [situation]. It’s a really strong Oaks field. I’ll pick some other spots for them.”