| Two
of the most recognized and successful trainers in the United States
took time out on Friday from their preparations for the Belmont
Stakes (G1) to meet with children from the "Kids To The Cup" program.
The visitors caught a glimpse of the rivalry between trainers D. Wayne Lukas, who will saddle Proud Citizen in the Belmont, and Bob Baffert, who will saddle Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner War Emblem.
After Lukas talked with the group of about 25 children, he stopped to have his picture taken with members of the group and to sign autographs. Just before one picture, Lukas noticed that one of the girls was wearing a "War Emblem" baseball hat. Lukas, in exaggerated motions, took the cap off her head and turned it around backwards. The action drew plenty of laughs from the group.
Later in the day, the group stopped by Baffertís barn to look at War Emblem, who will be trying to complete the Triple Crown with a victory in the Belmont Stakes. Because the group had spread out, Baffert was relegated to the role of elementary school teacher.
"Come on, pay attention," Baffert said to the group.
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Once together,
the group listened as Baffert talked about War Emblem and when
one member of the large contingent asked about how he was handling
the pressure, the Southern California-based conditioner said
he was "not feeling any pressure at all."
Lukas told
the group that horse racing is doing a better job in competing
for interest with other sports, but he would like to see the
sport do more.
"We have
to do a better job with getting on television because thatís
what these guys are paying attention to," Lukas said as he pointed
at the children in the group.
The first
race on Fridayís card, a $43,000 maiden special weight for three-year-olds
at six furlongs, was named in honor of the "Kids to the Cup."óFrank
Angst
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