Corniche impresses with maiden Beyer of 98, highest of year for juvenile
DEL MAR, Calif. - The 2-year-old colt Corniche has been grabbing attention since April, when he sold for $1.5 million at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales sprint auction of 2-year-olds in training as the most expensive hip of the Florida auction.
The attention has continued on the track.
Corniche won his debut in a maiden special weight race at 5 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar on Saturday in a manner that left Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith hoping the colt can start in races such as the Breeder’ Cup Juvenile here Nov. 5.
“I’m sure praying so,” Smith said Sunday. “He’s got that ability.”
Corniche ($3), led throughout the maiden race, pulling clear by 4 1/4 lengths. Corniche was timed in 1:03.01 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 98, the highest of the year for a juvenile.
“Not only is he extremely talented, but he’s really intelligent, which makes him even better,” Smith said. “When they have the talent and mind to go with it, they’re pretty dangerous. We’re really excited about him.”
By Quality Road, Corniche is owned by Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner’s Speedway Stable and trained by Bob Baffert. Baffert did not return a text message seeking comment on Sunday.
Corniche is out of Wasted Tears, a six-time stakes winner who earned $941,463 in a five-year career from 2007 to 2011.
The BC Juvenile is run at 1 1/16 miles. Corniche could have a prep race in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on Oct. 1. Smith thinks a longer distance will fit Corniche.
“He sure acts like he will,” Smith said. “The gallop out was pretty impressive. When I grabbed him to pull him up, he jumped back in the bridle.”