Baffert Has Forgettable Breeders' Cup

Breeders’ Cup 2011 was largely forgettable for trainer Bob Baffert, whose nine starters produced a Juvenile Sprint win by odds-on Secret Circle and a runner-up finish by 14-1 outsider Game On Dude in the Classic. They were the only Baffert runners to hit the board in the Breeders’ Cup.

Based on odds, expectations for most Baffert runners were modest. The notable exception was Plum Pretty, fifth as the 2.20-1 second favorite in the Ladies’ Classic.

Plum Pretty was “one of my biggest disappointments,” Baffert said, regarding her off-the-board finish. Although she made an easy lead setting slow fractions, Plum Pretty offered little resistance the final furlong.

“That track was so demanding for her, she couldn’t handle that deep track,” Baffert said. “She needs ‘fast’. Saratoga was the same thing.”