Kentucky-bred Cave Rock remained undefeated and recorded his second straight Grade 1 victory with a romping score in Santa Anita’s $300,000 American Pharoah S. (G1), a “Win and You’re In for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland on Nov. 4.
Quick into stride in the 1 1/16-mile fixture, Cave Rock took command through the early stages and dictated the tempo throughout. He demonstrated his turn of foot by shaking loose at the head of the lane and was never challenged through the stretch en route to a 5 ¼-length front-running victory. A six-length winner of his maiden special weight debut, Cave Rock won the Del Mar Futurity (G1) in his only other start and is now a leading contender for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
A $550,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase, Cave Rock is a son of Arrogate campaigned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman and trained by Bob Baffert. Produced from the Bellamy Road mare Georgie’s Angel, Cave Rock was bred in Kentucky by Anne and Ronnie Sheffer Racing.
“The really good ones come around quickly, and he’s always been different, he’s built a bit different than Arrogate,” said Baffert. “He’s powerful, stronger, and he’s quick. He runs with his head sort of low like Arrogate. He just keeps improving. He trains easily. I really don’t work him too fast. You have to count on their talent to get them there. Today, those were some good horses behind him. Those colts, you are going to hear about them down the road. Right now, he’s what you need.”