A sixth Kentucky Derby for Bob Baffert as the Into Mischief colt Authentic overturned the favourite Tiz The Law in the 146th running of the Run For The Roses at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Controlling the race from the front by John Velazquez, Authentic set solid fractions. The Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law got to his flanks on the home turn but could not get by, going down fighting by one and a quarter lengths with a further three and a quarter lengths back to Mr Big News in third
There was drama before and after the race with winner’s stablemate Thousand Words scratched from the race after rearing up and falling in the saddling paddock breaking the arm of Baffert’s long-time foreman Jimmy Barns.
Then a fractious Authentic bowled over Baffert in the winner’s circle.
Baffert’s Triple Crown winners American Pharoah (USA) and Justify (USA) are currently sunning themselves at Coolmore’s showpiece at Jerry’s Plains.
The race was a triumph for Spendthrift Farm’s B. Wayne Hughes who shared the win with Starlight Racing, Madaket Stable, and 4,500 fans that purchased a micro-share through MyRacehorse.
Bred by in Kentucky by Peter E Blum Thoroughbreds and consigned by Bridie Harrison to the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Authentic was knocked down to SF Bloodstock / Starlight West for $350,000.
By Spendthrift Farm’s flagship stallion Into Mischief (Haran’s Holiday), Authentic is the best of three winners from as many runners out of the Mr Greeley mare Flawless.
