Champion Arrogate to be aimed at the Dubai World Cup

Arrogate is no bigger than 2-5 for the Dubai World Cup after trainer Bob Baffert confirmed that the world's highest-rated Flat horse will be aimed at the $10 million Meydan feature on March 25.

The Dubai World Cup is the world's second most valuable horserace, bettered only by the $12 million Pegasus World Cup, which Arrogate won by four and three-quarter lengths last month.

The Santa Anita Handicap had also been under consideration for last year's Breeders' Cup Classic hero, but Baffert confirmed the Dubai World Cup as the next objective after speaking to representatives of owners Juddmonte.

"I just got the word," Baffert said following the colt's one-mile workout, which he completed in 1m38.4s. "As long as he keeps working well he's going."

Arrogate had been available at 5-6 before Baffert's confirmation but is now as short as 1-3 in places.

Good gallop

Baffert, quoted in the Blood Horse, reported that he was pleased with Arrogate's Santa Anita workout.

"He looked great," Baffert said. "I'm really happy the way he's come out of that race [the Pegasus].

"He hasn't regressed or anything, he looked fantastic. He's enjoying himself, and he did it the right way. I'm really happy with the way he's going. He's just holding his form very well."

Baffert will also run Hoppertunity in the World Cup.