I don't know whether Todd is a "cheater" or not in the regular course of business. I don't recall seeing the kind of Mullins or Lake-like jump-ups when he has taken over horses, but that doesn't mean he isn't using something.

I do think that it is unfair to assume that his lack of Derby success is somehow due to the heightened scrutiny and testing that takes place around the race.

First, look at the horses he has brought to the Derby:

2000
Impeachment (6-1), 3rd
More Than Ready (11-1), 4th
Trippi (6-1), 11th
Graeme Hall (46-1), 19th

2001
Invisible Ink (55-1), 2nd
Balto Star (8-1), 14th

2002
Wild Horses (58-1), 18th

2004
Limehouse (41-1), 4th
Pollard's Vision (24-1), 17th

2005
Flower Alley (41-1), 9th
Coin Silver (38-1), 12th
Bandini (6-1), 19th

2006
Bluegrass Cat (30-1), 2nd
Keyed Entry (28-1), 20th

2007
Circular Quay (11-1), 6th
Any Given Saturday (13-1), 8th
Sam P. (43-1), 9th
Scat Daddy (7-1), 18th
Cowtown Cat (19-1), 20th

How many of these horses really belonged in the Derby in the first place? How many later became big stars later, perhaps after they were allowed back on the "juice"? My answers would be -- "substantially less than 1/2" and "Zero".

The only horse that Pletcher entered this year that I thought had a chance was AGS. SD figured to bounce and didn't have the breeding. I hated the way CQ was handled coming into the race. Sam P. had no business being in the race, and Cowtown Cat was a stretch as well.

Second, I am sure that Pletcher will admit that he has made some mistakes in the way he has brought his horses to the Derby. It took Lukas over a dozen starters over more years than Pletcher to win and I'm sure he had to learn over time how to do it. After he broke through with Winning Colors, he won it a bunch of times.

Third, it is interesting the the one horse that Pletcher had who really figured in the Oaks/Derby did manage to win and win impressively.

That said, I would not at all be surprised to see him get suspended down the road for medication shenanigans, as do a number of high profile trainers. I just don't think you can tie the 0-19 in the Derby to a cheating case.