THERE'S A NEED TO KNOW.

Byline: KEVIN MODESTI Horse Racing 

INGLEWOOD - Horse racing would be healthier if bettors knew more about the animals' medical histories.

But those who favor an equine Freedom of Information Act got a taste of what they're up against in the past week, when the California Horse Racing Board dropped cases against Sweet Catomine's owner and trainer for misleading fans about the filly's condition before her Santa Anita Derby loss, state officials having realized they lacked the evidence to prove such a nebulous charge.

After owner Martin Wygod's case was dismissed following a three-hour stewards hearing at Hollywood Park on Saturday, Wygod spoke with reporters and offered a limited endorsement for the candidness campaign.

``I think there should be more transparency,'' Wygod said. ``But I think it should go to what is material to making the decision whether to bet.''

The question of exactly what information to make available to horseplayers is only one that must be answered before the sport finds a way to prevent future incidents that leave the public feeling like outsiders at an insiders' game.

Sweet Catomine, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2004, ran fifth behind winner Buzzards Bay in the Santa Anita Derby as an even-money favorite. Only afterward did Wygod reveal that Sweet Catomine had been treated at off-track medical facility for a bleeding problem, had battled a foot problem and had gone into heat for the first time, all in the days leading up to the April 9 race.

It will be hard for racing officials to force owners and trainers to tell the truth when reporters or fans ask, ``How's your horse doing?''

Say a horse in the May 7 Kentucky Derby has a sore ankle this weekend. Say the trainer tells a writer about it and the news hits print. Say the horse races, probably at odds more generous than they would have been if the injury weren't known.

Whatever happens next, the trainer could look bad. If the horse wins the race, the trainer could find himself accused of talking up the ankle problem to pump up the price. If the horse loses the race, the trainer could find himself slammed for running a sore horse. If, heaven forbid, the horse breaks down and a jockey gets hurt - no matter whether the ankle is still sore or whether the ankle has anything to do with the breakdown - the trainer could find himself battling a lawsuit.

So, in most cases, injuries are kept quiet - before and after the race.

It might be hard for many in the horse racing industry to believe. But the sport's image will improve if it finds a way around stumbling blocks like that. It may be impossible for tracks to publicize the results of routine veterinary exams. But couldn't fans be given access to records of actual operations and off-track medical procedures?

And shouldn't owners and trainers be made to understand that more transparency - to use Wygod's word - would lift a little of the mystery that keeps a lot of would-be fans away?

During Kentucky Derby week, the racing industry should announce it is seeking solutions to this season's most talked-about problem. Changes won't be easy. Only necessary.

--On to the Derby: Eight days out from the 131st Kentucky Derby, here is this column's complete ranking of the hopefuls, based on a lot of statistical work and a little good judgment. Everything is subject to change.

1. Afleet Alex, 2. Bellamy Road, 3. High Fly, 4. Bandini, 5. High Limit, 6. Greeley's Galaxy, 7. Consolidator, 8. Noble Causeway, 9. Buzzards Bay, 10. Sun King, 11. Flower Alley, 12. Closing Argument, 13. Wilko, 14. Giacomo, 15. General John B, 16. Coin Silver, 17. Sort It Out, 18. Going Wild, 19. Andromeda's Hero, 20. Spanish Chestnut, 21. Greater Good, 22. Don't Get Mad.

Under Derby qualification rules, Greeley's Galaxy and Going Wild can get into the maximum 20-horse field only if there are withdrawals by Wednesday, when entries and post positions will be announced in Louisville, Ky.

--This weekend: Don't Get Mad and jockey Gary Stevens will start from the far outside post in an eight-horse field in Saturday's Derby Trial, the last chance for the colt trained by Ron Ellis to earn a shot at the Kentucky Derby.

Don't Get Mad, sixth in the Santa Anita Derby, faces (from the rail out) Big Top Cat, Miracle Man, Vicarage, Ultimate, Santana Strings, Gallardo and Crimson Stag in the 1-mile Derby Trial on opening day at Churchill Downs.

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BY KEVIN MODESTI