Intelligent post.

For those who don't know what lasix does, except for its ability to mask some other drugs, it makes a horse pee. That's it.

The reason it is a 'bleeder' medication is due to the fact a horse's bladder sits over its lungs, causing pressure on them. If the bladder is full of liquid it compromises the animal's breathing. If it is empty, there is less pressure, hence more efficient oxygen exchange in the organ.

As for bute it is only one of many,many analgesics. Some jurisdictions permit the unlimited use of them; others limit a trainer to a handful. Some can be used for training; others for racing.

This mixed bag makes ordinary handicapping quite difficult as the bettor has little or no information to go by, other than the bute designation.

It's easier to try to find out which vets are servicing which barns...bet the vet!

The drug use that got TAP set down last year was a forbidden pain killer...it's a drug for human consumption; not to be used for racing. I think he is claiming he trained on it, but that he raced his horses after it should have cleared their bodies.

Skating on the edge.