Bayerd will cut back for Gazebo Stakes next

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Bayerd, the winner of the $255,000 Springboard Mile at Remington Park in December who finished an uncharacteristic eighth in the Southwest Stakes on Sunday at Oaklawn, will cut back in distance for his next start, said trainer Steve Asmussen. He said the horse is being pointed for the $100,000 Gazebo for 3-year-olds at six furlongs March 21 at Oaklawn.

Bayerd is a two-time winner at the distance, in a maiden special weight at Saratoga and the Kip Deville at Remington.

Cinco Charlie, another multiple stakes-winning 3-year-old from the Asmussen barn, was second in the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby at 1 1/16 miles at Sunland Park on Saturday.

“We’ll probably shorten Charlie back up,” Asmussen said. “He ran well. I think he’s much more valuable at shorter distances.”

Cinco Charlie is a four-time stakes winner, with three of them coming at one turn, including the Grade 3 Bashford Manor.