Bayern's work has Baffert pondering change in plans

ARCADIA, Calif. - Bayern, unraced since winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic last November, recorded a sharp six-furlong workout at Santa Anita on Saturday that left trainer Bob Baffert pondering which lucrative stakes to try at Churchill Downs next weekend.

Bayern worked six furlongs from the gate in 1:10.80 with stablemate Cat Burglar, who has not raced since finishing third in the Brooklyn Stakes at Belmont Park last June. The pair went as a team throughout the workout.

Before the workout, Baffert said the race goal for Bayern was the $500,000 Churchill Downs Stakes at seven furlongs on May 2, Kentucky Derby Day. After the workout, Baffert mentioned the $400,000 Alysheba Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on May 1 as an option.

“That was very impressive,” he said. “I may have to look at the Alysheba.”

Bayern is owned by Kaleem Shah, who attended the workout. Bayern worked five furlongs in “59 and change,” according to Baffert. Baffert timed Bayern galloping out seven furlongs in 1:23.80.

Bayern missed a scheduled start in the San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita in February because of a foot ailment. A 4-year-old, Bayern has won 6 of 10 starts and earned $4,389,680.