Stall nine for Arrogate
TRAINER Bob Baffert keeps steering back to the present those who want to talk about Dubai World Cup favourite Arrogate in forward-thinking terms, reminding all that ‘gimmes’ simply do not exist in competitive sports.
“Right now we are just trying to stay focused that he is doing well, because you have to make sure that they show up,’’ Baffert said.
“Right now, we know he is an exceptional horse. He is the heavy favorite. But he still has to have racing luck.’’
The luck of draw was the latest obstacle to be cleared in Arrogate's favor with the 4-year-old gray colt landing post No. 9 in a field of 14 for the March 25 Dubai World Cup.
The draw for the 2,000m test was largely kind to its main contenders as fellow Gr 1 winner Gun Runner drew post No. 5, Mubtaahij drew the outside gate 14 with Keen Ice, Neolithic and Hoppertunity set to break from posts 10, 11, and 12, respectively.
“He’s settled in pretty well and everything has gone pretty smooth,’’ said Baffert, who will also saddle Hoppertunity.
“We're just playing the waiting game now. The draw is over so that's the last of the suspense. We just have to keep him happy the next couple of days.
“As long as he shows up, that's the key. But he’s done everything well here. If he runs his race, we know what he can do.’’
What Arrogate can do is set a track ablaze and break his opponents’ hearts all while looking like a big, goofy kid out for a stroll.
What the connections of Gun Runner hope their colt can counter with is a high cruising speed that, when left to its own devices, has its own track record of running foes into the ground.
With Arrogate not always the fastest out of the gate, Gun Runner will likely have every chance to set the pace in the Dubai World Cup and make his champion rival have to go through him at the finish.
“I was happy with it,’’ co-owner Ron Winchell of Thoroughbreds said of the draw.
“Just let him use his natural speed and hopefully they’ll let him go on the lead. The track seems to play speed-favoring.
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