The Exodus of Horses from Bob Baffert’s Barn Continues
Trainer Bob Baffert’s suspension has resulted in an exodus of horses from his barn, with the latest one being standout filly Adare Manor. Adare Manor, a Kentucky Oaks prospect, has moved from Baffert’s barn to former assistant Tim Yakteen’s stable. This move follows the footsteps of other Baffert ex-pats Messier, Doppelganger, and McLaren Vale, who made the switch to Yakteen’s Santa Anita barn last week. These moves allow the horses to earn Kentucky Derby qualifying points for the upcoming May 7 Derby.
Adare Manor and Her Impressive Performances
Adare Manor, a daughter of Uncle Mo, has been in exceptional form this year, making her a strong contender for earning Derby/Oaks points. In her two starts in 2022, she has won by a combined 25 lengths, including a dominant 13-length victory as the favorite in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes in February. Prior to that, she showcased her talent with a gate-to-wire victory, winning by 12 lengths in a maiden special weight race at Santa Anita.
Adare Manor’s Move to Tim Yakteen’s Barn
Churchill Downs’ suspension of Bob Baffert and the subsequent prohibition of his charges from earning Derby/Oaks points prompted Adare Manor’s transition to Tim Yakteen’s stable. This transfer will allow her to earn points in the upcoming Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks, a crucial Kentucky Oaks prep race offering qualifying points. Adare Manor’s new connections have high hopes for her performance in this race.
A Significant Change for Adare Manor and Other Baffert Horses
Adare Manor’s move to Yakteen’s barn is just one of many horses leaving Bob Baffert’s stable following his suspension. Last week, Baffert lost his appeal to have his Kentucky Horse Racing Commission suspension stayed, resulting in a flurry of transfers. Additionally, Baffert is currently serving a two-year ban from Churchill Downs and its affiliate tracks due to a positive medication test from Medina Spirit, the former Kentucky Derby champion.
Conclusion
The ongoing suspension of trainer Bob Baffert has led to a significant exodus of horses from his barn, with Adare Manor being the most recent standout filly to make the move. The talented filly, along with other Baffert ex-pats, has found a new home in Tim Yakteen’s barn, providing them with an opportunity to earn Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Adare Manor’s impressive performances and her new connections’ high expectations make her a horse to watch in the upcoming Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Adare Manor and other horses leave Bob Baffert’s barn?
The departure of horses from Bob Baffert’s barn resulted from his suspension and the prohibition of his charges from earning Kentucky Derby/Oaks qualifying points. This prompted the horses, including Adare Manor, to seek new trainers to continue their racing careers.
2. Who is Tim Yakteen?
Tim Yakteen is a former assistant to Bob Baffert who now has his own stable at Santa Anita. He has welcomed several horses from Baffert’s barn and will be responsible for their training and preparation for upcoming races.
3. How has Adare Manor performed in her races?
Adare Manor has been exceptional in her performances this year, winning her two starts by an impressive combined margin of 25 lengths. She showcased her dominance with a 13-length victory in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes and a gate-to-wire win by 12 lengths in a maiden special weight race.
4. What are Kentucky Derby qualifying points?
Kentucky Derby qualifying points are earned by horses in designated prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The top point earners secure a spot in the prestigious race, with higher points ensuring a better chance of entry.
5. What is the significance of the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks?
The Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks is an important prep race for the Kentucky Oaks, a prestigious event for three-year-old fillies. The Santa Anita Oaks offers qualifying points that contribute to a filly’s chance to earn a spot in the Kentucky Oaks and potentially compete for victory.
