Cavalieri, the undefeated 4-year-old Nyquist filly trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, will not compete in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on November 1, as Baffert confirmed she is being given time off but will return to racing. Cavalieri, owned by Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner’s Speedway Stables, has an impressive 5-for-5 record including wins in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile and the Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes.

Her withdrawal coincides with uncertainty around defending Distaff winner Thorpedo Anna, who may be retired to breeding following a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Spinster Stakes. This situation potentially elevates Baffert’s other top contender, Seismic Beauty, the Clement L. Hirsch winner, as the favorite for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar.