No excuses for Arrogate flop

Trainer Bob Baffert has found no reason for Arrogate’s flop in the San Diego Handicap and says the world’s highest-rated horse will press on to the Group One Pacific Classic.

The Dubai World Cup winner was the 1-20 favourite in Sunday’s Group Two race but never looked comfortable and trailed home a distant fourth behind Accelerate.

“He’s fine. He didn’t really put out that much. We checked him over and he looks good. He got a lot of dirt in his eyes and mouth,” Bafffert told bloodhorse.com.

“They got away from him. He made a little run, but then he was just flat.

“We’ll just go on with him. As long as he’s working well and nothing comes up, we’re going in the Pacific Classic.”

“They were ready for me. John (Sadler) did a great job with his horse. It’s disappointing, but Arrogate is OK and that’s all that matters.

“He’ll be ready next time.”

Winx, the world’s second highest-ranked horse, is scheduled to return in the Group Two Warwick Stakes in Sydney on August 19 with the Pacific Classic run the following morning Australian time.