Special Ring Returns to Canani

Prestonwood Farm's grade I winner Special Ring has returned to trainer Julio Canani's barn in California where he will begin preparations for a 7-year-old campaign.

The gelded son of Nureyev -- Ring Beaune, by Bering finished eighth in the Oct. 25 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) and has spent the past four months getting some R&R at a nearby farm.

"He pulled a muscle in the Breeders' Cup," Canani said. "He had a terrible trip. David Flores had to check, check, check. It was bad.

"It's nice to have him back, though. He's been back for about a week. He'll talk walk for now and then go back to the track in about two weeks. I really haven't picked out any spots for him yet, but we're going to focus on the Eddie Read (gr. IT) at Del Mar."

Special Ring peaked at Del Mar last summer, winning the Eddie Read and setting the nine-furlong course record of 1:42.87, as well as the one-mile Wickerr Handicap in a track record time of 1:32.72. He also placed second in the American Handicap (gr. IIT) and Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT).

He began his career in France where he won the Prix Saint-Patrick and Prix Altipan and also finished third in the Prix Daphnis (gr. IIIT). Overall he's banked $675,023 from a record of 25-9-4-3.