Improbable nabs classic-distance win in Hollywood Gold Cup
Improbable, bet to favoritism in the 2019 Kentucky Derby and a regular at high class levels throughout his career, staked his name to the Breeders’ Cup Classic division on Saturday when running off with an easy victory in the Grade 1, $300,000 Hollywood Gold Cup.
It was the first graded victory for the 4-year-old City Zip colt since December of his juvenile season, when he ranked among the early favorites for his class’ Triple Crown season.
Under jockey Drayden Van Dyke, Bob Baffert-trained Improbable was content to sit off opening splits of 23.24, 47.57 and 1:11.84 set by longshot Brown Storm. Then, going into the far turn the chestnut made his move.
By the time Improbable straightened up for the wire, he was three lengths clear, and they didn’t come closer as he finished 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.69 while wearing the China Horse Club Silks. SF Racing and WinStar Farm also campaign the newly minted millionaire.
"I've worked him multiple times going seven furlongs," Van Dyke said of recent drills, "and the gallop outs he was giving me, he was doing unbelievable for this race. He was sitting on a big one, and he ran a big one."
Away as a 6/5 favorite in the field of six, Improbable returned $4.60 to win. Fellow Grade 1 winner Higher Power rallied for second with Tenfold third. Brown Storm held for fourth in a race where Midcourt, the second choice, was a no-show after an awkward beginning.
Improbable improved to 5-3-0 in 12 career outings, seven of which have come at the Grade 1 level.
"I got the consolation prize,” Baffert joked after running second with Authentic in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Earlier in the card, the $3.65 million colt Cezanne also debuted a winner. “I honestly thought I could win three races today. This horse has been training so well.
"Everyone thought this horse was a turf horse and I thought he needed the dirt. This horse is only going to get better."
In his only other start this season, he ran second off the bench to Tom’s d’Etat in the Oaklawn Mile given a wide post. Baffert moved to scratch from the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) after drawing outside again to point for this spot.
Now, he’s poised to compete this season in races such as Del Mar’s Pacific Classic (G1) and Santa Anita’s Awesome Again (G1) should connections want to pursue the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.