Baffert horses garner three Eclipse Award nominations

Three horses from the Bob Baffert stable were announced as finalists for the 2021 Eclipse Awards when the list was published on Saturday.

The winners will be revealed at the Eclipse Award ceremony at Santa Anita Feb. 10.

Baffert’s horses are Gamine for the Filly and Mare Sprinter, Medina Spirit for 3-year-old Male, and Corniche for 2-year-old Male.

Gamine, who was recently retired by her owner Michael Lund Petersen, had a dynamic campaign that included four graded stakes wins in five starts, with victories coming in the Derby City Distaff S. (G1), Ballerina S. (G1), Great Lady M S. (G2), and Las Flores S. (G3). She finished her remarkable career with nine wins from 11 starts, with earnings of $1,771,500.

Medina Spirit, who tragically lost his life on Dec. 6 due to a cardiac issue, won the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Awesome Again S. (G1) before finishing second to almost certain Horse of the Year Knicks Go in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Corniche is probably Baffert’s best chance to win an Eclipse after his undefeated campaign that wrapped up with a win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). He also won the American Pharoah S. (G1) less than a month after his maiden-breaking debut victory. Owned by Speedway Stables, Corniche has never been headed at any point of call in a race and has earned $1,262,000.