Improbable rolls in Hollywood Gold Cup (G1)

Improbable moved to the top of the handicap division with an impressive display in Saturday’s $300,000 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita Park, winning the 1 1/4-mile contest by 3 1/4-lengths over Higher Power to become racing’s newest millionaire.

Improbable is Bob Baffert’s seventh Gold Cup winner, joining the likes of Real Quiet and back-to-back winner Game On Dude.

Sent away as the 6-5 favorite, Improbable was second behind longshot Brown Storm (CHI) for the first six furlongs before assuming command easily under Drayden Van Dyke. He quickly opened up a sizable lead at the top of the stretch and came home to win easily in 2:01.69.

“We actually scratched him out of the race at Oaklawn to bring him back here to run in the Gold Cup, so it turned out great,” said Baffert. “Drayden had him in the perfect spot and he had plenty left for the run home.  I’m happy for the team.  Everyone thought this horse was a turf horse and I thought he needed the dirt.  This horse is only going to get better.” 

Owned by WinStar Farm LLC, China Horse Club International Ltd. and SF Racing LLC, Improbable was undefeated at two and has an overall record of 5-3-0 from 12 starts and has earned $1,129,520.