[Kasept]

Baffert proclaims Arrogate ready for Pegasus World Cup
By Steve Andersen

ARCADIA, Calif.- For three consecutive weekends this month, Arrogate has worked prior to the first race at Santa Anita. With each workout, trainer Bob Baffert has expressed confidence Arrogate is on schedule for the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 28.

After Arrogate worked six furlongs in 1:12.13 at Santa Anita late Saturday morning, Baffert said the world-class 4-year-old colt is prepared for the world’s richest race. Recent wet weather in Southern California that has forced changes in Arrogate’s daily training schedule will not be an excuse.

“He’s ready for a challenge,” Baffert said. “He is so fit.”

The Pegasus World Cup is run at 1 1/8 miles. The race will be a rematch between Arrogate and California Chrome, the first two finishers in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.

Saturday, Arrogate worked on a sealed and sloppy track a day after Santa Anita sustained more than two inches of rain in the latest in a series of storms that have pummeled the region in recent weeks.

“I’ve been on pins and needles with this weather pattern,” Baffert said. “The track was in great shape for as wet as it was.”

Arrogate worked in company with his regular workout companion, the maiden Uninvited. Arrogate started eight lengths behind Uninvited, a margin quickly reduced to four lengths on the backstretch.

Arrogate ran the opening quarter-mile in 24.82 seconds and remained about four lengths behind Uninvited on the backstretch and around the turn, through a half-mile in 48.87. Arrogate was within two lengths of Uninvited a furlong before the wire and was in front of his stablemate at the wire, through six furlongs in 1:12.13.

“I didn’t want to go along too fast,” Baffert said. “We know he can close on a horse. He has the gears.”

Arrogate, who was ridden in the workout by jockey Martin Garcia, galloped out strongly, well in front of Uninvited, going seven furlongs in 1:24.33 and a mile in 1:38.82.

Earlier this month, Arrogate worked six furlongs in 1:11.80 on Jan. 8 and six furlongs in 1:12.20 on Jan. 15.

“He’s getting stronger every week,” Baffert said. “He’s maturing and getting better.”

Owned by Juddmonte Farms, the 4-year-old Arrogate has won 5 of 6 starts. He is unbeaten in two stakes, having won the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga last August.

Mike Smith has the mount on Arrogate in the Pegasus World Cup.