Baffert’s Jaycito, The Factor still in contention for Derby

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

Bob Baffert says Jaycito and The Factor are still being considered for the Kentucky Derby.

Baffert told The Associated Press that The Factor will train up to the Derby. A final decision won’t be made until the horse breezes over the dirt under the twin spires.

The Rebel Stakes winner is coming off a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Arkansas Derby.

Baffert added Jaycito, currently 20th on the graded stakes earnings list, will not run in this weekend’s Lexington Stakes at Keeneland.

Jaycito missed the Santa Anita Derby on April 9 because of a bruised foot. Baffert said the Derby on May 7 is still possible even though the horse has just one start this year.

Breeders’ Cup

LEXINGTON, Ky.

The Breeders’ Cup is picking up the travel tab for the winners of the 68 “win-and-in” races for this fall’s world championships at Churchill Downs.

Officials announced the “win-and-in” series will feature 18 international races, including the first-ever challenge races in Argentina and Japan.

Also, the winners of the Haskell Invitational, the Hollywood Gold Cup and the Jockey Club Gold Cup will automatically qualify for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees of all Challenge winners starting in the championships and provide a travel allowance for the winning connections of all horses.

Owners and trainers coming from outside North America will receive $20,000 travel assistance while owners and trainers from North America will receive $10,000 in assistance.

Black Caviar became the first horse to automatically qualify for the Breeders’ Cup with a win in the Darley TJ Smith Stakes on April 9 at Royal Randwick in Australia. He’s now assured of a spot in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Sacred Choice also punched his ticket to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile with a win in the Doncaster Mile last weekend.

The 2011 Breeders’ Cup will be held Nov. 4-5.