Goal Oriented

BALTIMORE, MD -- Much has been said about the genuine friendship between Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert that has developed over the years. And the lively banter between the two, as well as several of the other members of the training ranks in attendance at Thursday's Preakness Alibi Breakfast, did nothing to dispel that notion. Completely sidestepping the suggested seating assignments, Baffert planted himself at Lukas's table, which also included John Bellinger, who makes up BC Stables with partner Brian Coelho. The team is represented in...

Baltimore, MD--It was very evident that something big is looming following a simple stroll around the Pimlico backstretch Wednesday morning. Despite the intermittent rain and the resulting soggy conditions following several days of drenching downpours, several fan tours could be seen milling about, getting a behind-the-scenes look of many of Saturday's GI Preakness Stakes participants. While most trainers can outmaneuver Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas physically these days, few will beat him and his horses to the racetrack in the mornings. Outfitted with his brand-spanking new rain gear,...

Having been committed to the race just 24 hours earlier and in the absence of GI Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) was made the 8-5 favorite on Dan Illman's morning line for Saturday's 150th running of the $2-million GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. He was assigned post position two during Monday's draw at the Guiness Open Gate Brewery. The...

GISW Sandman (Tapit) has picked up the services of John Velazquez for his anticipated start in Preakness 150, who will replace Jose Ortiz due to another commitment for the contest. Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse promised he'd have a Hall of Fame rider for his grey son of Tapit, and a legend he has procured. Velazquez will be replacing Jose Ortiz, who had the mount in the Derby, as Ortiz has a prior commitment aboard Clever Again (American Pharoah) for trainer Steve Asmussen. The Triple Crown trail has been...

Goal Oriented (Not This Time) tuned up for his expected stakes debut in the GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course next Saturday with a four-furlong drill in :47.60 (4/35) at Churchill Downs Sunday. Churchill clockers caught the colt going the first quarter of a mile in :23 3/5 and galloping out five-eighths of a mile in 1:01 1/5 with exercise rider Eric Garcia in the saddle. "He went a half really easily," said trainer Bob Baffert, who will be looking to extend his record of eight Preakness victories. "He...

6th-Santa Anita, $61,000, Msw, 5-10, 3, 4,/5yo, 6 1/2f, 1:14.98, ft, 1 1/4 lengths. SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN (r, 3, Mitole--Midnight Magic, by Midnight Lute), a $250,000 yearling turned $750,000 2-year-old, faced older rivals Saturday on debut for Bob Baffert including well-met stablemate Sierra Silver (Game Winner) who was last third behind 'TDN Rising Star' and GI Preakness Stakes entrant Goal Oriented (Not This TIme). Showing speed from an outside draw, the 7-2 second choice led from the first jump, rationing his speed ahead of his stablemate through fractions of :22.08 and...

GII Wood Memorial Stakes winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) will not run in the 150th GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, trainer Bob Baffert said Friday. Scratched from last weekend's GI Kentucky Derby due to a minor foot bruise, Rodriguez had remained at Churchill Downs to prepare for the Preakness. Baffert will still be represented in the Preakness starting gate by undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) who ran on the Derby undercard in an allowance race. Baffert told Pimlico media Friday...

Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials Thursday of his intention to enter undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), as well as GII Wood Memorial Stakes hero Rodriguez (Authentic) in the GI Preakness Stakes. Goal Oriented debuted at Santa Anita Apr. 6 with an off-the-pace 3 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight event, which earned him a 'Rising Star' badge. The 3-year-old cleared an optional claimer in front-running fashion on the Derby undercard. A $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Goal Oriented is...

While his status for the Preakness is still undecided, GI Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty (Into Mischief) continues to impress his team with how well he has rebounded from his long stretch battle with Journalism (Curlin) last Saturday, but a decision might be around the corner. Since his win in the Spring marquee race, the son of Into Mischief has reportedly done no wrong, and has continued to thrive in his return to routine. Michael Banahan, Godolphin's director of bloodstock, told Steve Byk on his Monday morning satellite radio show that...

3rd-Churchill Downs, $127,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($125,000), 5-3, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:42.83, sy, 3/4 length. GOAL ORIENTED (c, 3, Not This Time--Bizzy Caroline {MGSW, $347,935}, by Afleet Alex) topped a 'Rising Star' trifecta in this third contest on Derby Day. Racing three wide along the first bend, and clear of Sorcerer's Silver (Good Magic) as that one was pulled up and vanned off the track, the Baffert-trainee clicked off :23.63, :47.15, and 1:11.36 fractions over the sealed sloppy track. Maintaining his advantage as they swung for home, a pair of...

VALENTINIAN (Into Mischief) marks his return following a third-place effort going 8 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 9. A solid3 1/4-length victor in his career debut at Tampa Mar. 1, the $1.5 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select yearling graduate is reunited with Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who was also in two last time out. Todd Pletcher trains the son of GI Spinaway heroine Rachel's Valentina (Bernardini), herself a daughter of Classic winner and champion Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). Also trying to bounce back from a last-out loss, Tiz Secure (Maximum...

Goal Oriented (Not This Time), carrying powerhouse connections and a speedy work tab into his debut, made even-money look like a gift when he glided home a 3 1/4-length debut winner for trainer Bob Baffert and the partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert Masterson, Tom Ryan, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan Sunday evening at Santa Anita. The dark bay colt, a $425,000 Keeneland September yearling acquisition, trailed the field and was climbing up the backstretch, but once he got his...