S9E23: Baffert splits, DeVaux preps

The news of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's decision to split his deep stable between two states is a dominant topic this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park discuss the news that Baffert will have a string of horses during the entire spring meet at Churchill Downs. It will have repercussions in California, where Santa Anita scrambles to fill cards three days a week without an auxiliary gambling source of added revenue. Readers' feedback about Baffert also is on this episode.

The Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds is one of Saturday's two win-and-you're-in qualifiers for Kentucky Derby 2026. Trainer Cherie DeVaux talks about her colt Golden Tempo, who carries 7-2 odds into the race.

Handicapper Mark Midland zeroes in on the Louisiana Derby card as well as Turfway Park, where Saturday's Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) also will send its winner to the Kentucky Derby.

Tom Rooney, the president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, gets into issues affecting the sport. The conversation took place last weekend at the National Horseplayers Championship in Las Vegas.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.