Beware the gray-haired man with the white Stetson. And we’re not talking about D. Wayne Lukas this time.
Trainer Bob Baffert returns to Saturday’s Preakness Stakes for the first time in seven years. A four-time winner from 1996-2003, Baffert skipped Old Hilltop when he didn’t have the big horse. The Triple Crown trail was wearing on the Californian. Six weeks on the road chasing the dream with four double crown winners was tough enough, but it wasn’t worthwhile without a real contender.
But Baffert has the probable second choice in Lookin at Lucky, the Kentucky Derby favorite who finished sixth behind a bad post, an even worst start and carrying enough mud to supply senators on both sides during a health care debate.
Derby champion Super Saver will be the Preakness favorite, but sharp bettors will eye Baffert carefully. He no longer automatically arrives like his predecessor Lukas, who enters with Dublin and Northern Giant, upping his Preakness record total to 34 starters.
Baffert comes to win. He doesn’t always, but Silver Charm and Real Quiet won in 1997 and ’98. Point Given and War Emblem won in 2001 and ’02. Aside from Excellent Meeting not finishing in 1999, Baffert has never finished worse than fifth.
After initially giving Lookin At Lucky 51-49 odds of coming, Baffert decided the Derby loss was a result of bad karma. The No. 1 post in a 20-horse field left his colt pinched behind too many horses to win. Then, Lookin At Lucky was nearly slammed into the rail twice during the opening quarter mile to lose more momentum.
“I’ve been watching him, looking for any little sign of not wanting to come,” Baffert said. “He’s been training well here, he’s moving well and is his old self. He deserves another chance at it.”
Baffert changed jockeys, choosing Martin Garcia over Garrett Gomez. Sometimes the rider takes the hit, but Baffert rightfully figured a better jock could make a difference, especially on Pimlico’s sharper turns in a shorter race of 1 3/16 miles.
The Preakness is the rider’s race of the Triple Crown, compared to the crowded Derby field and marathon-like 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes. Martin is a promising young jockey on the Southern California circuit who won the recent Lone Star Derby for Baffert. Martin ranks 10th in national earnings with more than $3.24 million.
“I wanted to try something different one time and see,” Baffert said. “Maybe we’ll draw better or do something. I’m just trying to change our luck.”
Preakness bettors have seen enough losing Derby favorites bounce back in Baltimore to know Lookin At Lucky can do so here no matter who’s aboard. That white Stetson may appear in the winner’s circle yet.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
