The social and political hierarchy in the Southern California racing industry is quite unique. I have the impression that it is a very "tight-knit" family and community. The Santa Anita stewards enjoy an excellent reputation. I am not insinuating that Mr. Baffert had anything at all to do with the decision, but perhaps had the offending mount belonged to another "New York" or "Woodbine" trainer, the results might have been different. I might add that Mike Smith would be very unlikely to object...remember he and Gary Stevens were both outrageously bumped by Luis Saez aboard "Will Take Charge" earlier this year in the Oaklawn Handicap. You have to keep quiet and take your medicine. It worked for Stevens...He ended up taking the mount from Saez thereafter. You will certainly see Smith have "more" opportunities aboard Baffert stake mounts in the future. There is a code of silence.
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Last edited by wilbur porter; 11-04-2014 at 02:04 AM.
Reason: Punctuation
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