BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

 Email A Friend

Indian Blessing May Skip Golden Shaheen

Updated: Saturday, March 7, 2009 1:57 PM
Posted: Thursday, March 5, 2009 5:55 PM
  • Print
Indian Blessing May Skip Golden Shaheen
Photo: Coglianese Photos
Champion Indian Blessing may skip the Golden Shaheen.
Order This Photo

(from Santa Anita notes)

Indian Blessing might pass the $2 million Golden Shaheen (UAE-I) in Dubai on March 28, trainer Bob Baffert said.

“I’m planning on going, but I’m looking for an excuse not to,” trainer Bob Baffert said after the two-time Eclipse Award-winning filly worked five furlongs on Pro-Ride March 5 in :59 seconds flat.

“I’m on the bubble," Baffert explained. "It’s a long way to go, even though I wasn’t planning to go myself. I was going to send Jimmy (assistant Jim Barnes), but he doesn’t want to go if I don’t go. I’m training her like she’s running, but there’s a lot of stuff going on."

He said a second obstacle is that Indian Blessing's jockey, John Velazquez, wants to ride Quality Road   in the Florida Derby (gr. I) on the same day as the Golden Shaheen.

A decision would have to be made prior to March 17, the scheduled departure date for Dubai, Baffert said.
 

  • Print

FREE! E-Newsletters from The Blood-Horse!...
Follow the top stories of major racing events, racing previews and results with FREE e-newsletters from bloodhorse.com. As news develops, we'll deliver updates to your inbox. Follow important events moment by moment, step by step!

Horse Profiles