Javier Castellano to ride West Coast in BC Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. – Javier Castellano has picked up the mount on West Coast for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 4 at Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert said Monday.

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Mike Smith rode West Coast to his recent victories in the Travers Stakes and Pennsylvania Derby, but he will ride defending race winner Arrogate in the Classic.

Baffert said the decision to go with Castellano was made after consulting with Gary West, who owns West Coast with his wife, Mary.

West Coast on Sunday worked a half-mile in 48.80 seconds in his first drill since the Pennsylvania Derby.

“He looks great,” Baffert said.

Baffert has four potential starters in the Classic. In addition to Castellano on West Coast and Smith on Arrogate, he said Martin Garcia would ride Collected and Drayden Van Dyke would be on Mubtaahij.