Jockey Mike Smith talks with trainer Bob Baffert after winning a 2019 race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. This Saturday’s Kentucky Derby leads off the first Triple Crown thoroughbred-horse racing season in decades without the chance of Baffert officially winning one or more of the three races. His absence, due to a suspension, partially overshadows the famed race this year particularly because two horses he trained for a significant period of time are among the top contenders. (Gregory Payan/AP FILE PHOTO)
By Stephen Whyno AP SPORTS WRITER This Saturday’s Kentucky Derby will lead off the first Triple Crown season in decades without the chance of trainer…
