Skinner is moved from Shirreffs to DeVaux

Skinner, a 4-year-old Curlin colt who is coming off a win in the Grade 3 Native Diver, was moved from trainer John Shirreffs to Cherie DeVaux's barn.

Shirreffs confirmed the move in a text message to Horse Racing Nation.

Co-owner Lee Searing told Daily Racing Form that he has moved about 50 percent of his horses from California because of higher purses and racing opportunities in the Midwest. They include Justique and McVey, both also now trained by DeVaux.

Skinner was nominated to the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita next Thursday but is expected to make his next start at Fair Grounds, according to the report.

DeVaux did not respond to a request for comment, but she confirmed to DRF that the plan is to run Skinner at Fair Grounds.

After finishing second in the Native Diver last year, Skinner was off for nearly a year before returning with a runner-up effort in an optional-claiming allowance at Del Mar before his win in the Nov. 23 Native Diver.

That victory was only the second in his career. Purchased as a 2-year-old for $510,000, his overall record is 12: 2-3-3 with earnings of $377,300.