Genre wins Real Quiet on DQ

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - In a controversial decision, Bob and John won Saturday's $100,000 Real Quiet Stakes for 2-year-olds by six lengths at Hollywood Park but was disqualified and placed third after track stewards ruled that he interfered with Kissin Knight in early stretch.

The decision resulted in Genre ($18.80) being promoted from second to first.

The incident took place before the eighth pole. Bob and John, who had taken the lead from pacesetter Kissin Knight on the turn, crossed in front of Kissin Knight, who took up under jockey Patrick Valenzuela.

Bob and John pulled clear under a hand ride from jockey Victor Espinoza. Kissin Knight, who raced in second for most of the stretch run, was caught at the wire by Genre, losing second by a nose.

After a five-minute inquiry, stewards Darrel McHargue, Kim Sawyer, and Tom Ward ruled that the interference cost Kissin Knight a placing, and disqualified Bob and John.

"[Bob and John] came across the path of [Kissin Knight], forcing that horse to check off heels and alter course," McHargue said, in explaining the decision on the public address system.

The stewards' decision was met with a chorus of boos. The disqualification spoiled the stakes debut of the highly promising Bob and John, who finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.99 despite not being urged through the stretch.

"He was way the best horse," said Bob Baffert, who trains Bob and John. "It's a freakin' joke."

Genre, who was ridden by Martin Pedroza, was making his U.S. debut. Trained by Ben Cecil for David and Paula Mueller, Genre has won 3 of 9 starts and $94,461. He was purchased for approximately $245,000 at a sale in England in October. Genre was stakes-placed in England, finishing third in the Zetland Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf.