Trainer Change for J P's Gusto

J P’s Gusto, the winner of four sprint stakes and one of the leading 2-year-olds in California last year, will be transferred from trainer David Hofmans to Joe Petalino in Arkansas in coming days, the trainers said on Friday.

Hofmans said he initiated the change after expressing discontent earlier in the week about a decision by owner John Waken and his racing manager, Steve Bajer, to start J P’s Gusto in the $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 21 as well as an increased role by Bajer in race planning. Hofmans had hoped to start J P’s Gusto in the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 20.

Hofmans asked Waken to remove J P’s Gusto and another horse from his barn on Thursday.

“I felt there was too much interference from a third party,” Hofmans said...