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...
Quality Cambridge Stud draft in National Online Breeding Stock Sale
The need for Cambridge Stud to control the size of their star-studded broodmare band has opened up some special opportunities in the 2025 National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus.
Sword Poised to Strike
When the first crop yearlings by a young stallion are well received and go into the right stables that’s always a good sign and then a few months after that is when things start to get really interesting.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday July 2
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Lisa Kennedy Recognized for Thoroughbred Welfare
Lisa Kennedy has always had a passion for thoroughbreds, and her efforts in guiding retired racehorses into new careers through EventStars were celebrated at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards last Sunday as the winner of the Care and Welfare Excellence Award.
Winning Hat Trick for So You Think Filly
So You Think has ticked over $12million in seasonal earnings with 150 plus winners including seven stakes-winners and while Covert Thinking is not among the luminaries by her sire, this tenacious 3YO has won three on the trot and landed her first metro victory on Wednesday.
So You Think 3YO Wins $100,000 Inglis Xtra Bonus
Good placement from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable for progressive three year-old So You Think gelding Aloysius, who cast off maiden status at Hawkesbury on Thursday in a race that featured a lucrative Inglis Xtra maiden bonus.
Sires With Winners - Thursday July 3
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Super Seth has had three G1 winners in Australia this season and John O’Shea and Tom Charlton have trained two of them, so when they produce a lightly raced maiden winner by this exciting young sire we want to know more.
G1 Winning Champion 2YO Velocious to be Offered on Inglis Digital
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) will be offered for auction in the Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale.
2026 Golden Slipper Entries – Sortable, Sale Mail – Find Out More
The new season is nearly upon us and that means all over the country a new crop of rising two year-olds are taking baby steps in the best stables in the land with the Australian Turf Club announcing this week they had received 1927 entries for the 2026 Golden Slipper, so who is in the race?