ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA — Canadian-bred thoroughbred Messier is one of four horses trainer Bob Baffert has transferred to other conditioners to allow them to attempt to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
Messier, Doppelganger and McLaren Vale are all being sent to trainer Tim Yakteen and will remain in southern California as Yakteen Racing Stables is based there. Backadder has already left California and will be sent to the barn of Rodolphe Brissett in Kentucky.
Baffert formally announced the moves Thursday.
Baffert remains under suspension by Churchill Downs so his horses cannot earn Kentucky Derby qualification points or run in the Derby itself May 7. But now, Messier and the others are free to do so moving forward.
"The most important thing to me is that Messier, Doppelganger, McLaren Vale and Backadder – some of the top talents in racing this year – are able to compete," Baffert said in a statement. "I encouraged the owners to move them, not only because it is best for these horses and their future in racing but also for fans of the sport who are excited to watch them run.
"I know that they are in good hands training with Tim and Rudy, and I look forward to cheering them on."
Messier has three wins and two second-place finishes over his career. All of his races have been in the U.S. under Baffert's guidance.
Messier, named after former NHL star Mark Messier, is a son of ’03 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker.
Messier won his three-year-old debut emphatically, taking the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita on Feb. 6 by a whopping 15 lengths. His next start is expected to be the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 9, also at Santa Anita Park.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2022.
The Canadian Press
