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Corniche Sent to WinStar for Freshening

Likely 2-year-old champion getting a rest in advance of 2022 campaign.

Corniche and jockey Mike Smith after winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar

Corniche and jockey Mike Smith after winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar

Anne M. Eberhardt

Speedway Stables' Corniche , the probable champion 2-year-old male of 2021, has been sent to WinStar Farm in Kentucky for a freshening in advance of his impending 3-year-old season, Daily Racing Form has reported.

The Quality Road  colt, who is scheduled to return to trainer Bob Baffert's barn after his brief rest, is undefeated in three career starts. He no doubt locked up an Eclipse Award with a convincing 1 3/4-length victory in the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1).

His status for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) remains in limbo as he is ineligible for qualifying points since Baffert has been suspended from racing at Churchill Downs after his 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed two post-race drug tests.

KING: Racing Plans Still to be Determined for Corniche

On Nov. 22, Churchill Downs chose not to list any Baffert trainees among its 22 individual betting interests in its Kentucky Derby Future Wager taking place this week. Baffert-trained horses are among the heavily-favored pari-mutuel field.

Baffert is not currently under suspension by any regulator. However, he is at risk of fine or suspension from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission when Kentucky stewards ultimately hold a hearing upon a New York laboratory completing follow-up drug testing. Stewards could also disqualify Medina Spirit.