Arrogate eager to run in final work for Pacific Classic

DEL MAR, Calif. – Arrogate worked a half-mile in 47.60 seconds on Monday morning at Del Mar in his final tune-up for the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic on Saturday.

Martin Garcia was aboard Arrogate, who broke away from the pony just past the five-furlong pole and had a full head of steam by the half-mile pole. Clockers had him in fractions of 24.20 seconds for the opening quarter, 35.20 for three furlongs, and had him galloping out five furlongs in 1:00 and six furlongs in 1:14.

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Arrogate awkwardly changed leads in upper stretch, but Garcia reported to Baffert via radio after the work that Arrogate “wanted to take off” and Garcia was trying to guard against doing too much.

“He had a hard work last time," said Baffert, who wanted the work from the grandstand. "I wanted something lighter this time.

“He’s fit. He’s ready."

Jimmy Barnes, Baffert’s assistant, reported via radio that Arrogate was “playin’ comin’ home.”

Entries for the Pacific Classic are due Tuesday morning, and posts will be drawn Tuesday afternoon.