Bayern in Training After Foot Issue
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Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Bayern, who suffered a minor foot issue a few days ago that caused him to miss a work, galloped two miles Jan. 12 and may breeze at the end of the week, said owner Kaleem Shah.
Shah did not rule out the Feb. 7 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park for Bayern, in which he could face California Chrome and Shared Belief in what would be one of the most anticipated races in quite a while.
"He's fine," Shah said. "Being Bayern, you have to be extra cautious. It's one of those little things that happens now and then. But he's truly fine. He galloped a couple of miles today, and if everything is fine he could breeze by the end of the week. It's been raining in California, so you don't want to work him if the track is bad.
"Right now, I'm looking forward to racing him against California Chrome and Shared Belief. I hope so. We'll just have to wait and see what transpires."
In addition to the Breeders' Cup Classic, Bayern scored runaway victories in the William Hill Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I) Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) and Woody Stephens Stakes (gr. II).
Bayern is an Eclipse Awards finalist in the 3-Year-Old Male and Horse of the Year categories, while Shah is a finalist in the Owner category and Bob Baffert in the Trainer category.