Baffert still upbeat about Arrogate

Tom Walter - Monday July 24

US trainer Bob Baffert remains philosophical in the aftermath of Arrogate's shock defeat in the Grade II San Diego Handicap at the weekend.

Advertisement
 American champion Arrogate is still on track for next month's Grade I Pacific Classic despite a shock first-up defeat.

Arrogate, the world's highest rated racehorse according to the latest release of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) rankings, was comprehensively beaten in a five-horse field, finishing fourth as the 1/20 favourite.

But Baffert told the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Sunday morning that he is happy to let the mystery be and look ahead to the Grade I Pacific Classic (1-1/4m) on August 19.

"He's fine," Baffert said.

"He didn't really put out that much. We checked him over (physically) and he looks good. He got a lot of dirt in his eyes and mouth.

"We'll just go on with him. As long as he's working well and nothing comes up, we're going in the Pacific Classic.

"I wanted to give him a race here, thinking it would be a great workout for him, but the Pacific Classic is the main goal.

"They were ready for me. John (Sadler) did a great job with his horse (Accelerate). It's disappointing, but Arrogate is OK and that's all that matters. He'll be ready next time."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Pedigree Potential –NZB Ready to Run – Nicks that Click
A quality packed catalogue for the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale is now online and in the lead up to the sale we’ll go looking each week for some horses of interest that jump out on pedigree for various reasons.
Home Affairs 2YOs Shine at Official Sydney Trials
I Am Invincible’s exciting young sire son Home Affairs was the talk of the town after the yearling sales this year when his progeny topped both Magic Millions and Inglis Easter and at Randwick on Monday morning he had two runners at the official 2YO trials and both of them came out winners.
Breednet Follow the Official Sydney 2YO Trials - 7 – 9
All 2YO heats this morning run at Randwick over 850m with these trials the key factor in deciding fields for the Group III ATC Breeders Plate and Gimcrack Stakes in two weeks time.
Career Best Victory for Wentwood Grange Favourite Yearling
Dean Hawkins admits to shedding a tear or two when With Your Blessing was sold as a yearling.
Breednet Follow the Official Sydney 2YO Trials - 4-6
All 2YO heats this morning run at Randwick over 850m with these trials the key factor in deciding fields for the Group III ATC Breeders Plate and Gimcrack Stakes in two weeks time.
One to Watch – Warrnambool
So You Think is the first sire to hit 40 winners for the season and he did it with a three year-old filly that won easily on debut at Warrnambool on Monday in the Kia Ora Stud colours.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 22
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2025 National Thoroughbred Week Launched
National Thoroughbred Week, the newly launched industry initiative designed to bring the public closer to the thoroughbred and our sport, is excited to confirm a truly trans-Tasman exposure, with hosts confirmed across all Australian and New Zealand regions.
Tara Talks Racing - Trials and Racing
This week we’re talking trials after an insightful set of official 2YO trials in Sydney, plus some racing and how Fangirl will eventually go to stud with two Group I wins less on her resume than there should be.
Kiwi Cup Contender Headed to Australia
Melbourne Cup aspirant Trav secured his plane ticket across the Tasman with a pleasing performance over 2100m at Ellerslie on Saturday.