Arrogate has strong work in prep for Dubai World Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. – Arrogate completed his serious training for the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 25 with a strong seven-furlong workout Sunday morning at Santa Anita in 1:25, an outstanding time considering the track was slower than usual.

Arrogate came on the track just after the mid-morning renovation break with stablemate Cat Burglar, and, after they jogged and galloped through the homestretch they immediately broke off at the 6 1/2-furlong pole, with Arrogate initially about two lengths back.

Dane Nelson, the head clocker at Santa Anita, caught Arrogate in fractions of 24.60 seconds, 36.80, 48.60, and 1:12.80, and he was clearly best heading to the wire. Martin Garcia, per usual, was up for the work, but regular rider Mike Smith has the mount in Dubai.

“That’s his last serious work. He’ll have an easy half-mile breeze there,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He did it all on his own.”

Baffert has both Arrogate and Hoppertunity in the World Cup. Hoppertunity was third in the race last year behind California Chrome.

Arrogate and Hoppertunity were scheduled to leave California on Monday. Dana Barnes, Baffert’s top exercise rider and wife of assistant trainer Jim Barnes, is going to be on-site in Dubai initially, with Baffert to arrive the week of the race. This will be Baffert’s first visit to Dubai since he suffered a heart attack there five years ago and had to have two stents inserted.