Arrogate works for Breeders' Cup Classic, Gun Runner ships west

Arrogate and Drefong, two of a seemingly endless string of Grade I stakes winners in Bob Baffert’s barn, each worked on Santa Anita’s fast main track Tuesday morning for their expected Breeders’ Cup engagements on Nov. 4.

Arrogate, prepping for the 2017 Breeders' Cup Classic, went five furlongs under Rafael Bejarano in a bullet 59.40 in company with Uninvited (four furlongs in 48.40). Drefong, with Mike Smith aboard, went four furlongs in 48.20 for the Sprint, also on Nov. 4. Drefong worked in company with Show Me Da Lute who was clocked in 48.40.

“Arrogate went well, a nice, smooth work,” Baffert said of North America’s richest Thoroughbred with purse earnings of more than $17 million despite a two-race losing streak.

“I’m happy with him. As long he’s doing well, we’re looking at the Classic.”

Arrogate’s work was the fastest of 44 drills at the distance, the average time of which was 1:01.49.

Added Baffert on Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Drefong: “He went easy, just a little maintenance drill.”

Noted Smith: “He went really, really well.”

Also working Tuesday for Baffert were Awesome Again nominee Mubtaahij (five furlongs in a minute flat) and multiple graded stakes winner Hoppertunity, who went the same distance in the same time. Additionally, Baffert supervised a five furlong move Monday for Pacific Classic winner Collected in a minute flat, while stablemate American Anthem went the same distance in a bullet 59 flat, fastest of 68 drills at the distance.

Gun Runner, who figures to vie for favoritism with Arrogate in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, landed at 6:30 last night at Ontario Airport from where he was vanned to Santa Anita to start preparations for the $6 million Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 4.

“He shipped well (from the East Coast),” said Greg Otteson, Sales Manager for the Tex Sutton Forwarding Company, LLC, which transported Gun Runner for trainer Steve Asmussen, who has the horse bedded down in Barn 86.

Trainer Richard Baltas declared Goodyearforroses at the ready for Saturday’s Grade I Rodeo Drive Stakes after the five-year-old Irish-bred mare worked four furlongs Monday in 47.60 under regular rider Corey Nakatani.

“She was just breezing,” Baltas said of the bay daughter of Azamour, winner of seven of her 18 career races, with earnings of $476,495. “Corey was real happy. I know there will be a few shippers, but if she runs her best race, hopefully she’ll win and we’ll go on to the Breeders’ Cup ($2 million Filly & Mare Turf on Nov. 4).”

FINISH LINES: Recent stakes winner Terra’s Angel, prepping for the Grade I Chandelier Stakes on Saturday, worked four furlongs Tuesday under regular rider Sasha Risenhoover for trainer Dallas Keen in 51.80.

Multiple graded stakes winner Kobe’s Back, nominated to the Eddie D Stakes on grass and the Grade I Santa Anita Sprint Championship Oct. 7, will pass both races for the $70,000 Comma to the Top Stakes on Oct. 28, trainer Peter Eurton said. Formerly run as the Big Bear Stakes, the Comma to the Top is for three-year-olds and up at one mile.

Victor Espinoza, on hand at Clockers’ Corner Tuesday morning, took time to express his gratitude for those who voted him into racing’s Hall of Fame, where he attended induction ceremonies in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Aug. 4. “I took a little time off for that, rode at Del Mar, and now I’m back in action at Santa Anita,” said Espinoza, who is looking forward to riding champion Stellar Wind in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 3.

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly champion Champagne Room arrived back at Santa Anita Tuesday morning from her authoritative 3 ¾-length victory under Mario Gutierrez in Sunday’s Remington Park Oaks. Trainer Peter Eurton said the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff would be considered for the bay filly’s next race.

Caesar Dominguez, who aborted his training career last Jan. 1 to become an agent, is back training full time with four head.

Retired Los Angeles Times racing reporter Bill Christine will be on hand Saturday to sign his new book entitled “Bill Hartack—The Bittersweet Life of a Hall of Fame Jockey.” Published by McFarland and available at Barnes & Noble, Christine’s book chronicles the life of the legendary Hartack, who along with Eddie Arcaro, won a record five Kentucky Derbies throughout his meteoric career. Christine will greet well wishers and sign copies of the book Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. outside Champions! Gifts & Apparel.

Source: Santa Anita Park