Charlatan "Not Quite Ready" for Churchill Downs Stakes
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Charlatan wins the 2020 Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park
Charlatan , unraced since a runner-up finish in the $20 million Saudi Cup Feb. 20 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, will bypass the $500,000 Churchill Downs Stakes Presented by Ford (G1) at Churchill Downs May 1, trainer Bob Baffert said.
"He's not quite ready," Baffert told Santa Anita Park publicity. "I went ahead and shipped him ... but he's not quite ready for that."
The Hall of Fame trainer flew numerous horses from his Southern California base to Churchill Downs April 23, led by Zedan Racing Stable's Medina Spirit , his starter for the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) winner Beautiful Gift (Medaglia d'Oro ) and Triple Tap (Tapit ), a debut winner and half brother to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh also joined Medina Spirit in Louisville.
Prior to Friday's announcement by Baffert, track publicity had considered Charlatan a probable starter for the seven-furlong Churchill Downs, along with Hog Creek Hustle , Lexitonian , and Tap It To Win . Bango and Shashashakemeup are listed as possible entrants.
The field is likely to grow with the absence of Charlatan, a grade 1-winning colt owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Fred Hertrich III, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables.
Arkansas regulators this week restored the colt's victory in a division of the 2020 Arkansas Derby (G1). He also won the Runhappy Malibu Stakes (G1) last year.
Angst: Arkansas Regulator Restores Wins by Charlatan, Gamine