‘Drift Isn’t Perfect to Baffert

Proving he retains his sense of humor, trainer Bob Baffert was quoted last week saying he believed Congaree is the best horse in the country.

What does that make Mineshaft, Milwaukee Brew and Perfect Drift?

Mineshaft hasn’t faced Congaree but is viewed by most as the premier handicap horse in the country and has the record to back up that claim, while Milwaukee Brew, who was retired after he was injured in the Pacific Classic last month at Del Mar, and Perfect Drift have both beaten Congaree in 2003.

Trained by Murray Johnson for Stonecrest Farm, Perfect Drift, a 4-year-old gelded son of Dynaformer, isn’t headed for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita but will be heavily favored to earn his ninth win in today’s $750,000 Hawthorne Gold Cup, a Grade II at 1 1/4 miles at Hawthorne Race Course.

Race of the day: Ocean Terrace will make his first start since being eased in the Lexington on April 19 and his first for Baffert in today’s fourth at Santa Anita. The $54,000 optional claimer also lured Seattle Shamus, Calabres, Omega Code, Impressive Grades, Ride and Shine and C.J.’s Honour.

One for the road: Wild Berry is perfect in two starts against New York-breds and the 2-year-old Wild Event filly can make it three in a row in the $100,000 Joseph A. Gimma today at Belmont Park.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Tates Creek, Crazy Ensign and the Musical Chimes entry in the seventh, Bettor Knot, Brite Lassie and She’s Movin On in the eighth, single Halfbridled in the ninth and Super Patriot and Swift West in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/0. Money: Previous day/meet total: $0/$0. Total money bet: $0.