California Chrome, Arrogate post dueling works for Pegasus

Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) one-two Arrogate and California Chrome, who will cross swords again in next Saturday’s Pegasus World Cup (G1), got their duel going a little early. At opposite ends of the country on Saturday, they posted their final serious works for the $12 million rematch, and each gave something for his fans to savor.

California Chrome, already established on the premises at Gulfstream Park, zipped five-eighths in :58.80 under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney.

 

“I’m feeling great,” trainer Art Sherman said. “I said if he went in a minute, I would be happy, and galloped out in 1:13. He went in 58 4/5 and galloped out in 1:12 1/5. He’s ready.

“That was an awesome work. I thought it was sensational.

“He’s cruise control; that’s what I like. We hardly ever press him to do anything. He was under hand, and I’m very satisfied with the work.”

At Santa Anita, Arrogate rounded off his sequence of strong drills by motoring six furlongs in 1:12.13, blowing by his workmate under minimal encouragement from Martin Garcia. (Video of Arrogate’s work available on the TwinSpires Facebook page).

“What a relief that was,” Baffert said. “I’ve been on pins and needles watching this severe weather pattern. If I’d known we were going to get this much rain, I might’ve gone to Florida for his last work. I love the way he’s training…Last time (January 15), he went a little too quick (early). Today, Martin went off slow with him and he just kept him underneath him.”

Arrogate is scheduled to fly to Gulfstream on Tuesday.

The Pegasus supporting cast was also busy gearing up in Florida on Saturday.

Multiple Grade 2 veteran Prayer for Relief breezed five furlongs at Gulfstream in 1:00.81 for Dale Romans: