KENTUCKY DERBY NOTEBOOK: BAFFERT OK IN OAKS, TOO.

Byline: Kevin Modesti Daily News Staff Writer

Bob Baffert scratched Excellent Meeting from the Kentucky Oaks, then watched her barnmate Silverbulletday score an expected easy victory in front of an Oaks-record 101,034 fans at Churchill Downs on Friday.

Mike Pegram's Silverbulletday, never whipped by jockey Gary Stevens, got the lead on the turn and beat Dreams Galore by three lengths for her 10th victory in 11 lifetime starts.

The 1-1/8-mile time (1:49.92) was far from a record. But Silverbulletday's superiority over the six others in the so-called fillies' derby was reflected in her 1-10 odds.

``This is the toughest race to win - when you're expected to,'' Baffert said afterward. ``I probably felt more pressure than I will (today).''

Today, three Baffert horses, including Excellent Meeting, will try to give him a record third straight Derby victory and make him the first trainer to win the Oaks and Derby in the same year since Ben Jones in 1952.

Baffert and owners John and Betty Mabee had entered Excellent Meeting in the Oaks and Derby. The trainer announced Friday morning the filly will go in the Derby. He thinks she has the size and stamina to win the 1-1/4-mile race and wasn't as sure of Silverbulletday.

In the 124-year history of the Derby, three fillies have won.

Yer out: Aljabr, the lesser half of the Dubai-owned entry, was scratched from the Derby. A Kentucky Racing Commission official said the colt was lame.

Aljabr was to have started from post 5, so each horse from 6 up moves closer to the rail.

Where to bet: Hollywood Park will open its gates at 7:30 a.m. and take bets on the entire Churchill Downs card, which starts at 8 a.m.

The Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 2:27 p.m. PDT.

The Hollywood Park races start at noon.