West Coast turned in another commanding performance in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1), winning by 7 ¼ lengths to set up the Bob Baffert-trainee for a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 4 at Del Mar.
Saturday's win was arguably the dominating yet for the 3-year-old colt owned by Gary and Mary West. After stalking under a snug hold by Mike Smith for the first seven furlongs, West Coast took the lead at will and drew off in the stretch to finish the 1 1/8-miles in 1:49.91 on a fast track.
"I felt real good on the first turn," Baffert said. "Mike had him in a good position kept him on the outside. I told him, 'don't go near the rail.' At the three-eighths pole, he had a lot of horse and I was afraid he was going to get a little bored out there. He's just learning how to run, and to have a 3-year-old this time of year—and the way he won the Travers and now winning this race—he is going to be (a) horse to reckon (with)."
With the $550,000 payday West Coast became racing's newest millionaire. He has won five straight starts, four in stakes, and is 6-2-0 in eight starts overall, earning $1,543,800.