Breeders Cup Classic winner Bayern has been withdrawn from his anticipated clash with Horse of the Year California Chrome at Santa Anita on February 7.

While California Chrome is training strongly at his Los Alamitos headquarters for his 4YO debut in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes the plans for the Bob Baffert-trained Bayern have changed due to a foot abscess.

"I had to get a work into him last week but didn't," Baffert said. "Right now it's pretty doubtful.

“I don't want to rush him into it. He looks good but you can't run against those horses unless you're at least 90%."

Shared Belief, the 2013 champion 2YO and winner of seven of eight starts, is expected to run in the San Antonio. His only loss was in the BC Classic behind Bayern.

California Chrome, under regular rider Victor Espinoza, has been working in blinkers at Los Alamitos.