Here is a closer look at today’s work tab and our comments:

  1. American Anthem, who has been one of my top horses all spring, was back on the track for trainer Bob Baffert this morn at Del Mar.  The Bodemeister colt, who has won two Stakes in a row since being turned back in distance, covered 5Fs in 1:00.40.  That was the fifth fastest time out of 19 to work the distance today.  This is the 8th published work for American Anthem since his first place finish in the G2 Woody Stephens Stakes on the Belmont undercard June 10.  He will be tough if he shows up in the Kings Bishop at Saratoga.
  2. Josephine’s Moment is a 6YO mare by City Zip, who had her four race win streak snapped when she was a fading sixth in a 11/8-mile allowance optional-claimer at Saratoga on July 24.  She breezed a tardy 3Fs in 40:09, which was fourth of four. In the race before her last, Josephine’s Moment ran a mile at Parx and ran away with an easy 21/2-length victory.  A return to that distance may be all this filly needs to return to the winner’s circle for trainer Robertino Diodoro.  Keep an eye out for this filly, who is now 4 for 5 this year. By the way, this one only cost $14,000 as a yearling.
  3. Arrogate, still the best Thoroughbred race horse in training today and one of the best in the history of the sport, got his second work since his lackluster performance in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 22.  He breezed 7Fs in 1:25.20 at Del Mar, and, afterwards, trainer Bob Baffert declared that the son of Unbridled’s Song was back to his old self.  It is truly amazing that so many people — including those air heads on TVG like Rich Perloff — want to dismiss this colt after one poor performance.  Never mind that he won 7 straight races — including 4 straight G1 events — immediately prior.  Never mind that the San Diego Handicap was his first race since he returned from a stellar performance in Dubai.  Never mind that the San Diego was simply a tune-up for the Pacific Classic.  And, please do yourself a favor…never mind Rich Perloff, as in ever. I love Gun Runner and it will be great to see these two hook up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.  But until he can beat Arrogate, the Champ still stands at the top.