Report: Spendthrift transferring horses from Baffert

Spendthrift Farm, who teamed with Bob Baffert to win last year's Kentucky Derby with Authentic, is removing at least five horses from the care of the embattled Hall of Fame trainer. 

Spendthrift Farm general manager Ned Toffey told Daily Racing Form that Following Sea, who was not entered in Saturday's Chick Lang (G3) as expected at Pimlico, is being sent to trainer Todd Pletcher to prepare for a start in the June 5 Woody Stephens (G1) at Belmont Park. The Chick Lang was to serve as a prep. Additionally, Toffey said four 2-year-olds recently sent to Baffert's Southern California base will also be moved. They are likely to go to Richard Mandella. 

“Given the circumstances we thought it was best to hit the pause button,” Toffey told DRF. “I think we need to step back and let’s see how things play out. We’re not ruling anything out in the future.”

Authentic would add a win in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic to lock up Horse of the Year honors. He is now a stallion at Spendthrift Farm in central Kentucky. 

“Bob gave us the thrill of a lifetime last year,” Toffey said. “Bob has never had a positive test for us. Given the circumstances, the best thing for the time being is to step back.”