(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.