Bob Baffert: Arrogate ‘handling everything really well’ ahead of Dubai World Cup debut

Arrogate is the pre-race favourite for the 2017 Dubai World Cup. Lynne Sladky / AP Photo

DUBAI // Bob Baffert said he is delighted with Arrogate’s condition at Meydan Racecourse on Monday after the favourite for the Dubai World Cup worked for the first time under the watchful eye of his trainer.

Arrogate completed a breeze of around 800 metres under work rider Dana Barnes with his dual World Cup-winning handler looking on, having flown in to the UAE on Sunday.

A few hours later Baffert also oversaw a similar workout by Hoppertunity, who placed third in last year’s World Cup.

When asked whether Arrogate had taken the long journey from California in his long, raking stride, Baffert said: “He’s handling everything really well. He looks good to me.”

Baffert added of Hoppertunity: “He has been training better than he ever has, he really loves it here.”

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Arrogate was declared on Monday under regular partner Mike Smith, while Hoppertunity will once again have Flavien Prat as his guide. The pair spearhead a large American contingent that includes Gun Runner, Neolithic and Keen Ice.

Overall, 14 horses will compete for a cut of the US$10 million (Dh36.7m) in prize money on World Cup night on Saturday, and the UAE will be represented by Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 winner Long River, Move Up, Special Fighter and Furia Cruzada.

Mubtaahij, last year’s runner-up, will also be in the line-up, as will four Japanese runners: Lani, Gold Dream, Apollo Kentucky and Awardee.

One American challenger who might not make the world’s most valuable night in racing is Imperial Hint, the Dubai Golden Shaheen hopeful.

Imperial Hint arrived in Dubai on Thursday with a fever, which has yet to clear.

“We have to make a decision soon, but his bloodwork has to be normal in order to run,” trainer Luis Carvajal Jr said.

Imperial Hint has been walking in the quarantine barn area and should he get clearance from the vet he could be working as early as this morning.

“It’s very sad that we came all the way over here,” Carvajal said. “It’s a beautiful track and a great opportunity. But the horse’s health comes first.”

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