SAN DIEGO HANDICAP (ARROGATE)

Juddmonte Farms' champion Arrogate is likely to make his next start in the TVG San Diego Handicap (G2) July 22 at Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert said June 5.

"The TVG San Diego likely is our next stop if all goes well," said the Hall of Fame trainer. "We'll take him to Del Mar for the summer and if he gets back in action in the TVG San Diego, that could be a good prep for the Pacific Classic and then possibly the Breeders' Cup Classic."

The 4-year-old son of Unbridled's Song has won seven straight starts while amassing a North American record $17,084,600 in earnings. The colt would be coming off a four-month freshening since capturing the $10 million Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) March 25.

A start in the 1 1/16-mile San Diego could be the first of three consecutive Del Mar outings for Arrogate, with the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (G1) Aug. 19 at 1 1/4 miles and the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 4 as the next two likely targets.

"We're very pleased that the Arrogate connections have decided to stay home and give California's Thoroughbred fans a chance to watch the best horse in racing right now perform," said Del Mar's executive vice president for racing Tom Robbins. "We'll be delighted to showcase him at Del Mar and his presence will add some marvelous spice to our overall racing program."

Bred by Clearsky Farms in Kentucky, Arrogate claimed wins in the Travers Stakes (G1), where he set a course-record of 1:59.36 for 1 1/4 miles, and the 2016 Breeders' Cup Classic against Horse of the Year California Chrome   before being named champion 3-year-old that year. Prior to his score in Dubai this year, he won the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28.

The San Diego Handicap was originally listed to carry a $200,000 purse, but has been enhanced to $300,000 and renamed the TVG San Diego Handicap due to incremental sponsorship support from TVG. The additional $100,000 purse comes with the proviso that the 2016 Breeders' Cup Classic winner runs in the race.

The Pacific Classic is also a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Classic, meaning the winner is guaranteed a spot in the starting gate and has race fees waived.

Del Mar's 36-day summer season begins July 19. Its 17-day fall session opens Nov. 1, highlighted by the Breeders' Cup Nov. 3-4.