ArcadiaArcadia — In the growing darkness at Santa Anita, a large crowd roared as California Chrome kicked clear of the field with three furlongs remaining in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.
About 35 seconds later, the crowd of 72,811 was almost hushed as Arrogate, a 3-year-old trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, ran down the popular Chrome in the stretch and won by a half-length.
It was the first defeat of the year for California Chrome, who had won six straight races, including the San Diego Handicap and Pacific Classic at Del Mar. He hardly was disgraced in defeat; the final time was a fast 2:00.11.
“What can you say?” said Chrome’s trainer, Art Sherman, of Rancho Bernardo. “He got outrun. He ran his eyeballs out. All horses get beat but he’s still the best horse I ever had.”
It was the third straight Classic win for Baffert, who also triumphed here with Bayern in 2014 and last year at Keeneland with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (who was ridden by Chrome’s jockey, Victor Espinoza).
Arrogate, a 3-year-old by Unbridled’s Song owned by Juddmonte Farms, didn’t make his debut until April when he lost a maiden sprint. But he was so impressive in his next three wins that Baffert entered him in the Travers. He won by 13½ lengths in track-record time.
Chrome was the 4-5 favorite Saturday, but Arrogate was close behind at 8-5. He returned $5.40 for a $2 win ticket. A $1 exacta paid $5.
“The horse has run only five times and he beat California Chrome,” Smith said. “That’s incredible.”
It was the second win of the day for both Baffert (Drefong, Sprint) and Smith (Finest City, Filly & Mare Sprint). Baffert has 14 Cup victories, second to D. Wayne Lukas (22) among trainers. Smith leads all riders with 25 wins.
The crowd was the largest ever to watch the Breeders’ Cup at a track other than Churchill Downs. The previous record was 69,155 in 1986 at Santa Anita.
Next year’s Breeders’ Cup will be held Nov. 3-4 at Del Mar.
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