You Have to Get Up Early to Beat Him

After the Santa Anita Derby, Julio Canani, (then) trainer of the filly Sweet Catomine and suspected milkshake cheater, took the opportunity to praise winning trainer Jeff Mullins, another “alleged” milkshake cheater. Canani trashed the honest trainers who had criticized Mullins earlier, saying, “The guy gets here at 5 a.m. every day ... those other trainers don’t show up until 8.”

That would be all well and good if Mullins’ early hours reflected a deep, abiding work ethic. The problem is, we now know that Mullins shows up in the wee hours for another reason entirely. His special type of “training” is most effective when administered under the cover of darkness.

Nicholas Martino

Marina del Rey