02/27/2013 6:14PM

Santa Anita: Paynter doing well after breeze

By Steve Andersen
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Shigeki Kikkawa
Paynter breezed three furlongs in 36 seconds Tuesday.

Paynter, the winner of the Haskell Invitational last August who survived a bout with laminitis last summer and fall, emerged from his first workout of the year Tuesday in good condition, trainer Bob Baffert said Wednesday. Paynter worked three furlongs in 36 seconds.

“He’s a pretty fit horse,” Baffert said. “He gets so much out of his galloping. I could have worked him three-quarters.”

Owned by Zayat Stables, Paynter was shipped to Baffert’s stable in late December and has been in training since the start of the year. A winner of 3 of 6 starts and $952,224, Paynter was second to Union Rags in the Belmont Stakes last June.

Baffert has not selected a race for Paynter’s comeback.

Lise McLain 7 months ago
Hi! Paynter looks marvelous. So happy to see that he is back in the swing of things. He resembles Barbaro with his color and white spot on his face. I am eager to watch his first race back. God love you, Paynter.
Joyce Johnson Groome 7 months ago
Can't wait for your comeback! I just hope that you stay well after all you've been through! Good Luck Paynter! You deserve it!
Bob Rose 7 months ago
Beware if he drops him in a $12,500 claiming race 'just to get his confidence back'.
Tony Fortunelli 7 months ago
Now here's a horse whose story is already great. Hope he does well in his comeback. May give us all something to cheer about and get the general public behind this wonderful gutsy horse. Angels have touched him already, so let's hope he stays well first, and that he races to his former form.
Thomas Cook 7 months ago
He must have a good foundation after "resting" at Fairhill. Bob you're too much...stir the $&*# a little more..work him 3/4. Glad he's well. When ya work him 3/4 though..put Doc Cheney on him. "OL COUNTRY" or Dr. Fraley!
chad mc rory 7 months ago
3/4s' This Colt ain't safe yet.
Meydan Rocks 7 months ago
Thomas, You do know that Paynter has been galloping for at least a month now - daily gallops around the SA main track btw. PS: I'm buying some race horses next year. Have you ever considered getting a training license. I think you'd be a good trainer. :-))
Thomas Cook 7 months ago
Tried it for four years after graduating Tufts for equine science..Boston was rough getting good clients. Switched to assistant for Frank Alexander in two thousand one through two thousand four. I love the game...with good clients! Thank you. Rather be the little Guy in the barn than deal w the Stress of Hollywood. Wish you luck.
Thomas Cook 7 months ago
Im an assistant now....like the role better.
Vegas Guy 7 months ago
Mr. Cook, I respect your credentials and your posting. As a HUGE fan of Paynter and also of Zayat and Baffert, I am not sure I understand your note. I witnessed Paynter at Fair Hill receive rehab and rest, and never saw him once train. He gained weight and grow into his frame, and multiple caregivers and veterinarians gave him a remarkable clean bill of health. Since returning to Baffert, Paynter has been on display and witnesses attest he is happy, healthy and in shape. His workout was very strong and no evidence shows otherwise. With all the eyes on this story and Zayat and Baffert, I absolutely see no reason for Paynter's connections to put him in harms way. In this case, I do not see them being motivated by fame or getting Paynter back into the winners circle, alone. I see no reason they would subject Paynter to an injury or expose themselves to negative press. All eyes are on them. I am not sure what $&*# you are referring to when it comes to Baffert. If you have some evidence you have witnessed towards Baffert, I hope you will share on this board. Not just for my education, but for others. I admit my research of Baffert is very limited, and I am sure you are more "in the know" than I. I am a huge fan of Paynter. If Baffert is endangering him, I would hope someone would speak up and tell me/us about it. On a side note: after witnessing Paynter at Fair Hill.....I GUARANTEE he will be in the winner's circle again. I can't explain what I saw in his eye or with his actions, but he is "different". He has a huge heart and a spirit to win. I wish I could meet him in person again. Thank you for reading. With respect, vegasguy32978 @ gmail.com
Thomas Cook 7 months ago
No sir. I firmly believe Baffert is NOT in any way endangering Paynter. I just like his saying he could breeze six furlongs being he gains so much from gallops. Many negative minded folks have scrutinized the connections bringing Paynter back...just felt Bob was egging them on...so to speak. I have been skeptical myself..but wish the colt well.
Vegas Guy 7 months ago
Mr. Cook, Thank you once again for your reply. Very much appreciated. I also wish the colt well....he is my favorite racehorse right now. I haven't had a true "favorite" in years I believe. I saw Paynter at Belmont and at Monmouth, and then again at Fair Hill. Fair Hill was unbelievable! Got to meet Better Talk Now too. The care I witnessed at Fair Hill was first class. I will keep hoping for the best for Paynter. Thanks again.