For every horse, there is at least one race that defines its skill and grace. The 2017 Pegasus World Cup is that race for many horses, their staff and owners. With a purse of $12 million, the long anticipated showdown between California Chrome, Arrogate and the horses in-between will soon arrive. The match is expected to be epic within the horsemen and fans circles.
According to most books, Arrogate is currently favored with 4-5 odds while California Chrome has 1-1 odds. However, the Wynn Las Vegas sports book is placing Chrome at an incredible 10/11. Arrogate is riding on even more money in the oasis.
If the six-year-old Chrome is victorious, he will take home $7 million and head back to Kentucky as a proud stud. Over his career, this victory will lock up $20 million. It is amazing that Chrome continues to race and beat horses that are just half his age. Regardless of the outcome, Chrome will go down in history as an athletic legend by holding the most earnings of any horse currently racing.
The 2017 Pegasus World Cup will be a true test; will the up-and-coming Chrome be victorious and set the bar for his career? Will the veteran Arrogate stand in first place in the final performance of his career? Only time will tell. This is a match for the ages with horsemen vigorously watching.
Arrogate will be sitting on the rail and Chrome on the Gulfstream. These extreme starting positions are conjuring up expectations and doubts about both athlete horses. On the other hand, Keen Ice ended the week at 12-1 and could also be a big contender. However, Keen Ice was surpassed in money by Neolithic, a horse that has quickly attracted additional money during the past four days to reach the middle of the pack. He has jumped from a 30-1 odd to 10-1.
According to the Bluegrass Wise Man, a horseman Kentucky owner, Neolithic is trained by Todd Pletcher, the leading horse trainer in the U.S. Neolithic is beginning to emerge for Pletcher by showing his strength at one mile-and-an-eighth. Last month, he won by nine lengths.
Bluegrass Wise Man also mentioned that Chrome is not aware of his poor starting position as horses never handicap themselves. Arrogate has much more to lose but if he wins, it will be a turning point in his career as the second-time beating Chrome. This is exactly what the owners want.
