I can't imagine any of the authorities in Kentucky coming forward after the Oaks or the Derby and saying that the winner tested positive. So what you have to do is get the stuff into the horse without getting caught. Once you get past that, how much do you have to worry about a post-race positive?

Not only that, but how much of a stink would they want to make BEFORE the race? If someone generates a pre-race positive, doesn't that reflect negatively on the security, arrangements, etc.?

I've got to believe the powers that be will protect their "brand" at all costs.

In the past, I thought you could tell how a trainer's horses would do based on how they ran on the undercard. After this year's BC, I think certain trainers may be willing to sacrifice their undercard horses for the Big One. Another scenario to consider....

How many clients can WMerc handle down there? Don't the customers get pissed at him if he goes to more than one barn for the same race?

HP