Baltas Fined $1K for Workout Medication Violation

Santa Anita Park stewards issued a $1,000 fine to trainer Richard Baltas March 19 after his trainee Lookin At Sweetie won a maiden claiming race Jan. 21 after showing the presence of the methocarbamol when working Jan. 3 for removal from the veterinarian's list.

A veterinarian's list notes horses ineligible to compete for a variety of reasons.

The Lookin At Lucky   filly, who raced Jan. 21 for George and Martha Schwary Racing, has been disqualified, forfeiting first prize of $14,400. Cayton Kid , second across the wire, has been elevated to first. 

Lookin At Sweetie finished first in the Jan. 21 race by 2 1/4 lengths, returning $8.20 to win. A $20,000 claim submitted for her by trainer Brittany Vanden Berg was voided. The filly has not raced since.

Having been elevated to first and no longer a maiden, Cayton Kid was scratched from a maiden claiming race at Santa Anita March 20.

According to stewards' minutes published on the California Horse Racing Board website, CHRB chief official veterinarian Tim Grande notified them the morning after the Jan. 21 race that Lookin At Sweetie was ineligible due to not receiving the necessary blood sample test, a requirement for horses away 365 days or more. Lookin At Sweetie had not started since October 2020.

Methocarbamol is a commonly used muscle relaxant and violations in California fall in Class 4 Penalty Class C.