“The Derby has become more of an event than a race, more than any race I can think of,” Asmussen said.

"I understand the political implications of Asmussen's job, especially since he's employed by an owner like Jackson, but I also find it frustrating that a man who benefits greatly from the presence of such a star runner in his barn should play hard-to-get with certain members of the media. Of course, Turf writers develop stronger relationships with certain individuals than others, but the respect of decent, straightforward answers to decent, straightforward questions is owed to members of the media who cover this beat on a regular basis."