Corniche , the presumptive champion 2-year-old male of 2021, has been galloping this month at WinStar Farm in Kentucky, according to bloodstock agent Marette Farrell, who advised on his purchase last spring.
Unraced since a front-running victory in the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) at Del Mar, Corniche was sent to WinStar in late November. The Quality Road colt went 3-for-3 in 2021 and won two grade 1s. De Meric Sales sold the colt for $1.5 million at Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, where Farrell signed the ticket on behalf of Speedway Stables owners Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner.
Farrell referred questions about racing plans to the owners. Fluor did not return two phone messages seeking comment.
"All I can tell you is he is galloping at WinStar, and he is doing great, looks super," Farrell said Jan. 27. "He's put on 75 pounds. They're very happy with him."
Under rules announced by Churchill Downs Inc., which has suspended trainer Bob Baffert through mid-2023 at its tracks, Corniche and other Baffert trainees are ineligible for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs and for qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Corniche's Derby eligibility status could change if he races for a different trainer or if legal action forces CDI to alter its regulations.
