First of all, I know for a fact what his opinion was before the Gold Cup, not from public statements. He liked the other horse.

First time I met Baffert was for a drink at the Tribecca Grande, couple weeks before the 98 Derby. He was raving about Indian Charlie, I said "don't overlook your other horse, I like him better". That definitely came as a surprise to him.

That year was Real Quiet/Victory Gallop, we ran into each other a few times along the way.