Pinehurst is ‘probable’ for Amsterdam; Terranova will train

Grade 1 winner Pinehurst, who has been working for Bob Baffert since the Hall of Famer’s return from suspension on July 3, was listed as “probable” by the New York Racing Association for next weekend’s $200,000 Amsterdam Stakes (G2) at Saratoga.

Pinehurst was nominated to the 6 1/2-furlong Amsterdam for 3-year-olds with John Terranova as the listed trainer. Last month, Baffert was barred by NYRA from entering horses at its tracks until Jan. 25, 2023, as a result of multiple drug violations dating to July 2019. None of those infractions occurred in New York and all involved therapeutic medications.

Through the years, Baffert horses shipped to New York are often bedded down in Terranova’s shedrow. Pinehurst would have to be officially transferred to Terranova prior to entry time for the Amsterdam in order to compete.

Baffert did not immediately respond to phone and text messages from Horse Racing Nation Wednesday. Tom Ryan, racing manager for Pinehurst’s extensive ownership group, also was unavailable for comment.

Winner of last year’s Del Mar Futurity (G1), Pinehurst has not raced since being eased in the UAE Derby (G2) on March 26. The Twirling Candy colt has been breezing at Santa Anita since late May. His first seven works were all for Sean McCarthy, who took over Pinehurst’s training during Baffert’s suspension. Baffert was back to oversee a six-furlong gate drill by Pinehurst in 1:13.20 on July 10 followed by another six-furlong move in 1:12.40 on Sunday.

In the Amsterdam, Pinehurst could be joined in the starting gate by Corniche, who Baffert guided to a 3-for-3 record and champion 2-year-old colt honors in 2021. Corniche, who has not raced since winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, is now with Todd Pletcher in New York. Last week, Pletcher said it was possible the son of Quality Road could make his long-awaited return in the Amsterdam.