Baffert Trained Cornucopian Moves Towards Breeders’ Cup With Churchill Win

BusinessSportsMoneyBaffert Trained Cornucopian Moves Towards Breeders’ Cup With Churchill WinByDanny Brewer,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Danny Brewer has been covering Thoroughbred/horse racing since 2006.Follow AuthorMay 31, 2026, 11:46am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Cornucopian moved a step closer to the Breeders'Cup with a win in the Aristides stakes at Churchill DownsCoady Photography Renee TorbittThe final leg of the Triple Crown races for three-year-olds is coming, but the race for the Breeders’ Cup is just beginning. The Bob Baffert-trained Cornucopian took a huge step forward towards those year-end World Championship races with an impressive win in the Aristides Stakes at Churchill Downs. Aristides Win Shows Development For Cornucopian A son of Into Mischief, Cornucopian has always been highly regarded. Since winning the initial start of his career by 5 ¾ lengths at Oaklawn Park, big things were expected from this Kentucky-bred. After being thrown into the deep waters of the 2025 Arkansas Derby in just the second start of his career, where he finished a respectable fourth after setting a sizzling pace, this grandson of Distorted Humor ran just once more as a three-year old (second place finish at Aqueduct). As is the case with many young athletes, time and training have allowed him to figure some things out. Coming into the Aristides (a race named for the first Kentucky Derby winner) off two wins in three starts this year, Baffert’s blossoming four-year-old would certainly be put to the test against a solid field. Breaking alertly under jockey Flavien Prat, Cornucopian was right there contesting a hot opening half mile (22.20 opening quarter, 44.93 half mile) in this six-furlong (3/4 of a mile) sprint. Muscling to the lead and flexing towards the finish, those fast early fractions were no factor as he repelled...