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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.

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 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."

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