Report: Baffert aims Reincarnate at Pa. Derby instead of Travers

Trainer Bob Baffert has switched Grade 1 targets for 3-year-old colt Reincarnate, opting to run the son of Good Magic in the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on Sept. 23 rather than next weekend's Travers at Saratoga, Daily Racing Form reported Friday.

Baffert had been expected to start both Reincarnate and Preakness winner National Treasure in the Travers, but DRF said he decided to keep the two apart for the time being.

"I'm going to split them up," DRF quoted Baffert as saying. "They sort of have the same style. Reincarnate, he's getting better and better, but it's a tough race."

Baffert did not immediately respond to a text from Horse Racing Nation seeking confirmation of the change of plans.

The defection of Reincarnate, whose most noteworthy wins came in the Los Alamitos Derby (G2) last month and the Sham (G3) at Santa Anita in January, leaves eight likely starters in the 1 1/4-mile Travers. That includes all three winners of this year's Triple Crown races and probable favorite Forte, who captured the Jim Dandy at Saratoga in his most recent start.

Baffert told DRF that he plans to work National Treasure on Saturday at Del Mar before shipping the colt to Saratoga on Tuesday. He said the son of Quality Road has fully recovered from a disappointing sixth in the Belmont Stakes and is training well.

"Johnny (Velazquez) said he didn't feel like the same horses that he did in the Preakness," the publication quoted him as saying. "He's doing really well right now. I like the way he's coming into it."