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But not without controversy as two top trainers under scrutiny for use of medication.

Bob Bafffert's Charlatan has tested positive to a banned substance after his win in the first division of the Arkansas Derby, and Steve Asmussen's 2019 Ohio Derby winner has been disqualified and the trainer fined US$1000, the maximum penalty in that jurisdiction.  The Baffert horse's second sample as to be tested as the case continues.

Meantime the Memorial Day races at Santa Anita provided some good racing.  The Shoemaker Mile saw Raging Bull come roaring back to his best as he demolished the field to win from the fast-finishing Next Shares and former UK runner Without Parole third.

The other Gr 1 the Gamely was a bit of an upset as Abel Cedello pushed Keeper Ofthe Stars over the line ahead of Bodhicitta and Mucho Unusual.  The more fancied runners were spectators with the ride of Joel Rosario on the favourite Etoile not amongst his greatest.

The Gr 2 Monrovia saw the Brazilian-bred Jolie Olimpica hold out against the flying Aussie-bred Oleksandra with Steal The Diamonds third.