DQ knocks down Bayern from win in Derby Trial

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bayern finished first Saturday night in the 90th running of the Grade 3, $176,700 Derby Trial at Churchill Downs, but the colt was quickly disqualified for herding Embellishing Bob, who dueled fiercely just outside the odds-on favorite for virtually the entire one-mile trip.

The decision by the Churchill stewards seemed clear-cut after Bayern, clinging grimly to the lead in deep stretch under Rosie Napravnik, drifted out several paths on Embellishing Bob, leading to a stewards’ inquiry and an objection by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. that ultimately led to the disqualification.

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

Embellishing Bob, bred and owned by Martin Cherry and trained by Steve Margolis, returned $11.60 when making his stakes debut off a maiden victory at Fair Grounds.

Myositis Dan was just a stride or two from nailing the top pair with an outside run, resulting in a three-horse photo that had the opening-night crowd enthrall. Laddie Boy was another 1 3/4 lengths back in fourth.

The final time was 1:36.73 over a fast track.

Although it seems a moot point given the difficulty of the effort, the Bob Baffert-trained Bayern earned $34,280 for finishing second, placing him 21st on the points list for eligibility into the 140th Kentucky Derby, which is set for next Saturday, May 3.

Chitu, headed for the Derby, was an early scratch by Baffert. Bitters ‘n Bourbon also was an early scratch, leaving a field of eight 3-year-olds.

The $2 exacta (6-1) paid $32.20, the $1 trifecta (6-1-10) returned $70.90, and the 10-cent superfecta (6-1-10-7) was worth $65.08.

Opening night also featured the unveiling of the massive $12 million video board and the debut of new announcer Larry Collmus. This was the 25th night racing card since the introduction of lights in 2009.

Napravnik won three races earlier on the card to take the early lead atop the jockey standings.