Bob Baffert, a trainer known for his big wins and superstar horses, has been having a bit of a mixed season this time around. His barn usually steals the spotlight during the summer meet at Del Mar, which he calls a “great environment” with perfect weather and a surface that’s “always in great shape” for nurturing young talent. However, his journey to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup has just taken an unexpected twist.

According to Horse Racing Nation, Baffert has shared that he’s decided to pull his undefeated filly, Cavalieri, from the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Baffert was asked why he decided to withdraw, and he kept it simple, texting Horse Racing Nation that she was, “Getting time off,” before adding, “She will be back,” to reassure fans. It’s quite a surprising turn of events, considering the filly’s team had thought her last race was just the right prep for the Breeders’ Cup.

Just a few weeks back, after Cavalieri took home the Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita, Baffert said, “I knew she was going to be a little rusty today. I didn’t think she was going to be that rusty in the gate, but she was. This will set her up perfectly for the Breeders’ Cup.”

Cavalieri, a 4-year-old daughter of Nyquist and owned by Speedway Stables, is heading for her break with an impressive record of five wins in five starts. She had an amazing run with three graded stakes wins: the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes, the Grade 1 Beholder Mile, and just recently, the Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes on September 28.

That last win got her a fee-paid spot in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff, which makes her withdrawal even more surprising. Choosing to focus on rest instead of pushing for a championship race really shows how dedicated the trainer is to keeping this valuable and undefeated competitor safe. This decision also means that Baffert’s other top filly will be going to the Distaff.

Bob Baffert’s beacon of hope for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Recently, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert shared some exciting news about his filly Seismic Beauty. He confirmed that she’s all set for the $2 million race, mentioning, “Seismic Beauty’s going straight to the Breeders’ Cup [Distaff]. She’s doing really well.”

In early August, Seismic Beauty secured her place by leading from start to finish to win the $400,000 Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar, the same location for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup. She just scored her third win in a row, and it was with an impressive 110 Beyer Speed Figure, really showcasing her growing talent.

“That wasn’t an easy lead, they were rolling. She’s a big filly. She looks like she’s going easy, but they were going fast. She’s just getting better and better. She’s still maturing, but I think she’ll improve off of that,” Baffert said about his filly after her Grade 1 win. He was really impressed and thought there was even more potential in the Uncle Mo filly.

So, with Cavalieri no longer in the mix and Richi stepping in as another potential Bob Baffert-trained contender for the Distaff, we’ll just have to wait and see what Seismic Beauty can pull off in the race.