WITH a dearth of racing in some states, and delays in some of the classics, last weekend saw the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby divided, and it is fair to say that we saw two exceptional winners. Both are trained by Bob Baffert who must have been pleased that he did not have to face them off against each other.

Should both Charlatan and Nadal continue to progress, and stay sound and healthy, they will be aimed at the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby which is now scheduled for September 5th. Targets before then are all tentative, and the pair are not the only talented three-year-old colts in Baffert’s barn.