Medina Spirit Returns to Work Tab at Santa Anita
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Medina Spirit heads out to train for the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course
Zedan Racing Stables' Medina Spirit returned to the work tab June 14 for the first time since finishing third in the May 15 Preakness Stakes (G1). The Protonico colt clocked three furlongs in :37 3/5 on the fast main track at Santa Anita Park Monday for trainer Bob Baffert.
His status as winner of the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) remains in limbo, pending a possible disqualification after a split sample confirmed he tested positive for the corticosteroid betamethasone, which is not permitted at any level on race day in the state of Kentucky.
Churchill Downs Inc. suspended Baffert through the conclusion of the 2023 spring meet at Churchill Downs, and the New York Racing Association has also temporarily suspended Baffert.
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Dennis Drazin, CEO and chairman of Darby Development, which operates Monmouth Park, said Baffert would be welcomed to enter a 3-year-old in the July 17 $1 million TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) at the Jersey Shore track.
Should Baffert choose to ready Medina Spirit for a start in the Haskell, the colt could again face Mandaloun , who was second a half-length behind Medina Spirit in the Kentucky Derby. Mandaloun, winner of the June 13 TVG.com Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth, would be declared the Derby winner if Medina Spirit is disqualified.
Also possible for the Haskell is Derby third and Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) runner-up Hot Rod Charlie .