Gamblers Lose Suit Against Baffert, Churchill

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Gamblers Lose Suit Against Baffert, Churchill (July 21, 2023)

A judge on Friday threw out a lawsuit against Bob Baffert and Churchill Downs Inc. over the results of the 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) was dismissed in a Kentucky federal court.  The horse was disqualified after it failed a drug test.

From Bloodhorse:

Nineteen plaintiffs alleged that but for Medina Spirit  winning the Derby, they would have collected substantial sums of money on bets. His disqualification by stewards months later did not affect payouts that were made official once the race concluded, payouts that did not include the plaintiffs.

Legal theories of recovery rejected as a matter of law by Judge David J. Hale included negligence, breach of contract, violation of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, and unjust enrichment. Hale's July 20 order granting motions to dismiss filed by the defendants ruled that the plaintiffs did not state claims recognized under Kentucky law.

BetUS Haskell Stakes Picks for 2023 (July 20, 2023)

1–Geaux Rocket Ride-morning line 9-2 (+450)

Trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by Mike Smith, this is one who could be overlooked in the wagering. This son of Candy Ride travels outside of Santa Anita after a pair of wins and a second in a lightly-raced career. He did capture the mile-and-a-sixteenth Affirmed at odds-on in his last out. He didn’t run in any of the Triple Crown races, but his shrewd-as- they-come trainer won this race way back in 2000 (Dixie Union).

2–Awesome Strong-morning line 30-1 (+3000)

Another Candy Ride colt, this one trained by Jorge Delgado and ridden by Jose Batista. He did begin his career with four consecutive wins, though not anything above maiden or Florida-bred events, He finished fifth in his lone (Delaware Park) start this season, so this take-a-flier is way above his rate of pay.

3–Salute the Stars-morning line 8-1 (+800)

Trainer Brad Cox eyes the natural hat trick, having previously won this race with Mandaloun (2021, via disqualification) and Cyberknife (2022). Joel Rosario has the assignment, and yet another son of Candy Ride goes into the gate, having lost but once in four career tries (2-of-2 this season) entering this race. Took down the Pegasus at Monmouth last out, so a win over the surface.