LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Bob Baffert may want to consider changing his colt's name to Lookin At Unlucky.
The Kentucky Derby favorite Lookin At Lucky was plagued by misfortune once again Saturday, denying the Hall of Fame trainer a fourth victory in America's most famous race.
The horse is owned by Carson Valley Inn co-owner Mike Pegram.
Lookin At Lucky drew the dreaded No. 1 post earlier in the week, and Baffert's worst fears were realized on a rainy evening at Churchill Downs. The horse broke sharply but was immediately pinned down along the rail, never getting clear running room until much too late before finishing a disappointing sixth.
"I lost all chance at the post position draw when I drew the 1," Baffert said. "Since then I haven't been able to really enjoy. Everything had been going so smooth and great and then, boom, right in the 1 hole. I had a bad feeling about it."
The Derby result continued a pattern of tough luck races for the 3-year-old colt, including his final prep in the Santa Anita Derby where he finished third after encountering traffic along the rail. Tempers flared after that race, with Baffert blaming jockey Garrett Gomez for a "horrendous ride."
Baffert was somewhat critical of Gomez again Saturday, but not because he didn't win. He said the jockey probably should have given up the cause after he was pinned early.
"I quit watching him after the first bump," Baffert said. "He was done. I wish (Gomez) would have pulled him up."
Gomez said there were a lot of factors working against the colt.
"There are a bunch of variables: the 1 post, the mud, he's never had this much stuff in his face, and a mile and a quarter," Gomez said. "There were too many things going on today."
When the colt returned to his barn, he got a bath and some ointment in his eyes to combat the sand. Baffert's assistant Jim Barnes said the horse had a few nicks but otherwise seemed in good shape.
Baffert, previously won the Derby with Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998) and War Emblem (2002).
Pegram also owned Real Quiet, who narrowly lost out on the triple crown in '98.
