The Bob Baffert-trained Cupid, who earned a Beyer Figure of 108 when winning this year’s Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita, will retire to Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud for 2018. The son of Tapit makes his next start in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar.
One of the best three-year-olds of his generation, Cupid accumulated over $1.3 million in earnings that season having won the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes, Grade 2 West Virginia Derby and Grade 2 Indiana Derby.
He was purchased as a yearling at Keeneland September for $900,000 by M.V. Magnier who also signed for his full-sister who topped the same sale this year at $2,700,000. Their dam Pretty ‘n Smart has already produced three Graded Stakes winners.
“We loved Cupid as a yearling and he has developed into a smashing horse just like you would have hoped,” said Coolmore America Manager Dermot Ryan. “He’s a quality individual with plenty of size and great balance and the pedigree and race record to match. He’s an exciting prospect.”
