Cheater

Jeff Mullins, currently second in the trainer standings by wins at Santa Anita, is a cheater, according to the results of a test for alkaline on his charge Puppeteer, after his second place finish in the San Marcos Handicap on January 22. The result indicates the use of milkshakes, for which California has been testing since last fall. As a result, all of his entries must be place in quarantine for 24 hours preceding the race; a second violation would lead to a temporary ban on entries. When questioned, Mullins was just a bit more forthcoming than Jason Giambi (just a bit).

When asked about the quarantine, which began Wednesday, Mullins said, "They're treating us fair."

"We're working through it," Mullins said. "They have paid for some testing for us. We'll be fine. Santa Anita has been helpful. They want to figure it out as much as we do.

"He was barely over," Mullins said, referring to Puppeteer's test.

Mullins acknowledged last month that he was informed of two alleged positive tests for bicarbonates last year at Hollywood Park.

[Daily Racing Form]