Recall the moment when Matthew DeSantis observed the notable increase in social media engagement related to Cornucopian. The horse racing analyst shared his insights: “The CA invader, Cornucopian, for Bob Baffert strutting his stuff at @OaklawnRacing ahead of the Arkansas Derby. Can he win it? The comments to Matt’s post says it all. One says Sandman tracks him down and another claims the horse will win the Triple Crown.”
DeSantis responded to track announcer Matt Dinerman, who observed, “CORNUCOPIAN dappled out in the infield paddock schooling for Saturday’s Arkansas Derby. He’s the 7-5 morning line favorite off a dominant maiden win sprinting on Rebel Day for So Cal based Bob Baffert.” Bob Baffert’s Cornucopian has captured significant attention, particularly with his entry into the forthcoming Arkansas Derby. The Grade 1 race marks the colt’s debut after his maiden victory, and anticipation is high as observers eagerly await his performance in these high-stakes competitions.
The race presents an excellent chance for Cornucopian; a victory would earn him an impressive 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. However, the community holds two distinct opinions regarding the horse. Some hold him in high regard, while for others, he is merely another contender in the pursuit of success. What does Bob Baffert think about these claims?
“I waited for the work. He’s nominated everywhere. I could have run him in the Lexington (April 12 at Keeneland) or whatever. He’s a big, strong beautiful horse and he shipped and ran really well up there, going six furlongs. That was a pretty stiff race into him. He came back and worked well. The pace makes the race. He’ll be forwardly placed. I think we’re all going to know the answer turning for home. I just hope he’s right there,” remarked the 72-year-old trainer, as reported by Oaklawn.com.
Baffert recognized the widespread appeal of Cornucopian. He was praised for how smart he was in his first win. Led by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., the colt took the lead right away and ran impressive times of 21.86 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 45.50 seconds for the half-mile. Cornucopian finished the six furlongs with a time of 1:09.02.
Overall, Baffert expresses strong confidence in his horse as the Arkansas Derby approaches. But are you aware that he has even made a remark regarding Cornucopian’s competitors in the race?
Bob Baffert goes candid about his rival horses
Bob Baffert recognizes the widespread perception of Cornucopian as the leading contender in the race. Nonetheless, he offered an alternative viewpoint on the matter, asserting, “Him being the favorite? I don’t know about that. I don’t think he should be the favorite because he has just one out. Coal Battle should be the favorite. I think he might end up the favorite. He’s a good horse and that Sandman’s a good horse. Grade 1s are always tough, but they’re supposed to be tough.”
Cornucopian has participated in only one race throughout his entire life. Despite his victory, Baffert suggests that his rivals could still hold an advantage. He discusses Lonnie Briley-trained Coal Battle, highlighting the horse’s significant potential to emerge as the race favorite.
Additionally, Baffert is cognizant of the involvement of Sandman, trained by Mark Casse, who could pose a significant challenge to Cornucopian. As the race draws near, it remains to be seen how Baffert’s horse will perform against the rivals at Oaklawn Park.
The post Bob Baffert Flatly Ignores Major Doubts on Arkansas Derby Horse appeared first on EssentiallySports.