Arrogate sticks to Del Mar path to Breeders’ Cup Classic

Champion Arrogate, currently rated the world’s top horse as well as North America’s all-time earnings leader, is eyeing an exclusively Del Mar campaign for the rest of 2017.

Considering that his Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) title defense will come at Del Mar November 4, it’s natural for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert to keep him at the seaside track.

And Arrogate has certainly earned enough air miles this season after shipping for the world’s two richest races. The Juddmonte colorbearer flew to Gulfstream Park to break the track record in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup (G1), then ventured to Dubai to win the $10 million World Cup (G1) in dramatic fashion.

Like last year’s Dubai World Cup hero California Chrome, Arrogate is pointing toward a return in the July 22 San Diego H. (G2) as his prep for the August 19 Pacific Classic (G1). Unlike “Chrome,” the gray will then train up to the Breeders’ Cup, not take in the Awesome Again (G1) at Santa Anita too.

“We’re very pleased that the Arrogate connections have decided to stay home and give California’s Thoroughbred fans a chance to watch the best horse in racing right now perform,” said Tom Robbins, Del Mar’s executive vice president for racing.

“We’ll be delighted to showcase him at Del Mar and his presence will add some marvelous spice to our overall racing program.”

Arrogate is already a winner over the track, in a second-level allowance that propelled him to Travers (G1) glory last summer. With seven straight wins since his third on debut, the Unbridled’s Song colt seeks to pad his North American record earnings of $17,084,600.