Mark Casse can handle the complexities of running his training operation out of multiple divisions. He’s done it for years, successfully enough to rank in the top seven in North America by earnings since 2011 and ninth by career earnings approaching the second half of 2020. (Originally published in May 23 edition of The 2020 Special)
Never doubt Ron Moquett’s ability to be the most hands-on horseman possible. (Editor's note: Originally published in May 2 edition of The 2020 Special)
Saturday’s feature at Santa Anita Park, the 51st edition of the Charles Whittingham Handicap honors the late Hall of Fame trainer who won the race seven times in his legendary career.
It's the third Saturday in May in Baltimore, the self-proclaimed Greatest City in America. It's noon, I've consumed a little coffee, and not enough food or water. It's 75 and sunny, in stark contrast to the last few third Saturdays in May. The last Preakness Day with no recorded rainfall was 2014. The BWI weather station has recorded a total of 1.11 inches of rain over the last five third Saturdays in May (which is stupid, because I don’t know anybody who lives at the airport). What a Preakness Day it could have been.
From the Alibi Breakfast to the blanket of handmade Black-Eyed Susans to the painting of the infield cupola’s weathervane in the colors of its winner, the Preakness Stakes is an event that revels in tradition.
It was just his second time at the Preakness, a race the future Hall of Fame trainer would later come to own, so pardon Bob Baffert if he was a little confused by the idiosyncrasies that come with being the second-oldest racetrack in the United States.
