ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — The Breeders’ Cup Classic owes Game On Dude and Bob Baffert.
Last year, the 5-year-old gelding was beaten in the closing strides of the $5 million race. Drosselmeyer won by 1 1/2 lengths and was retired soon after, while Game On Dude has soldiered on to win four stakes this year. He faltered in the Dubai World Cup, but his worst effort in two years was overshadowed by a heart attack suffered by Baffert.
The 59-year-old Hall of Famer survived his March ordeal in the desert, while Game On Dude rebounded to win three of his next four starts.
Now they have another chance to win the Classic, a feat that has eluded Baffert in nine previous attempts.
Game On Dude is the early 9-5 favorite for Saturday’s 1 14-mile race at Santa Anita.
