Report: Baffert moves more Ky. Derby contenders to Yakteen

Bob Baffert has transferred more of his Kentucky Derby 2023 contenders to trainer Tim Yakteen so they will be eligible to earn qualifying points in upcoming preps.

The Los Angeles Times reported that on Sunday, Baffert switched Arabian Knight, National Treasure, Fort Bragg and Mr Fisk to Yakteen, his former assistant.

Arabian Knight and Eclipse Award winner Forte, trained by Todd Pletcher, have been the favorites all winter in Nevada futures for the Derby. Arabian Knight could run next in the Arkansas Derby (G1) or Santa Anita Derby (G1), according to the Times report. Both offer Derby points on a 100-40-30-20-10 basis.

As previously reported, Derby contenders Arabian Lion, Carmel Road, Hejazi and Reincarnate had been switched to Yakteen, Fort Warren was moved to Brittney Russell and Harlocap to Steve Asmussen.

Baffert told the Times the transferred horses would be moved back to his barn after the Derby and in time for the Preakness Stakes on May 20.

Yakteen nominated Carmel Road for the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. Fort Warren also was nominated for the Gotham by Russell.

Hejazi, along with Carmel Road, Fort Bragg, Mr Fisk and National Treasure, were nominated to Saturday's San Felipe (G2) under Baffert's name, but that was expected to be changed before entries were taken Sunday.

There was no mention in the report about Cave Rock and Faustin. Each was 25-1 or shorter in the Las Vegas futures. They still could be moved by Tuesday.

Horses trained by Baffert are ineligible to earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby or Oaks (G1) because of his suspension by Churchill Downs over the late Medina Spirit's failed drug test in 2021. Horses need to be transferred to eligible trainers by Tuesday to be able to earn points.