Arrogate intimidates potential San Diego Handicap rivals
DEL MAR, Calif. – Rival owners and trainers are in no hurry to run their older horses against Arrogate in Saturday’s Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar.
As of late Wednesday morning, Arrogate had four likely rivals – Accelerate, Cat Burglar, Donworth, and El Huerfano.
El Huerfano, winner of an optional claimer at Santa Anita in June, was not a certain runner as of Wednesday, trainer Peter Miller said.
:: First time ever! Get Del Mar Clocker Reports for the 2017 summer meet
“If it’s going to be a four-horse field, I might take a look,” Miller said early Wednesday morning.
There is an added incentive to take on Arrogate, who won the $10 million Dubai World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on March 25 in his last start.
With him in the field, the purse will increase from $200,000 to $300,000. If Arrogate dominates as expected, the runner-up will receive $60,000, or the same as winning a $100,000 race.
The San Diego is run at 1 1/16 miles and is a prep for the $1 million Pacific Classic on Aug. 19.
Projected entries were slightly stronger for Saturday’s Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf.
Ashleyluvssugar, winner of the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Stakes on turf at Santa Anita in May, is likely to face Abbey Vale, Hunt, Mr. Roary, Wanstead Gardens, and a supplemental entry in Up With the Birds.
