HORSE RACING / HANDICAPPING 101

[EZ2]

Post 9 for Arrogate just fine with trainer Bob Baffert

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Arrogate will break from post 9 on Saturday night at Meydan Racecourse when he tries to add the $10 million Dubai World Cup to consecutive wins in the Travers Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and, most recently, the $12 million Pegasus World Cup.

“I didn’t want the 1 or the 14,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “Nine is fine.”

The Japanese horse Apollo Kentucky drew the rail, while Mubtaahij, who was second in the 2016 World Cup, must cope with post 14. Gun Runner, who would look a major threat in this race without Arrogate, drew well in post 5.

“It’s perfect,” said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. “If you’d have asked me where I wanted to be, I’d have said 5 or 6.”