Country Grammer gives Baffert fourth Dubai World Cup (G1) winner
Country Grammer’s win in Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) marked the fourth time Bob Baffert has won the race that annually draws the best horses from around the world.
Country Grammer may have been overshadowed by the former Baffert trainee Life Is Good in the lead-up to the race, but the 5-year-old earned the spotlight with a very gritty effort as he passed Life Is Good inside the final furlong, then held off Hot Rod Charlie to win the 1 ¼-mile race by 1 ¾-lengths.
Country Grammer is owned by Amr Zedan, along with WinStar Farm and Commonwealth Thoroughbreds.
“Ladies and gentlemen, that’s Bob Baffert right there,” Zedan proclaimed after the race. “That’s what Bob Baffert is capable of doing. I am overwhelmed. This is an amazing feeling. I can’t believe it. I am so overjoyed. It’s been a rough year and now we’re back.”
After winning the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) last May 31, Country Grammer was away from the races until last month’s $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) where he finished a game second. Saturday’s win upped his earnings to $10,837,320 with a record of 4-2-1 in 10 starts.
Baffert’s previous World Cup wins came with Arrogate in 2017, Captain Steve in 2001 and Silver Charm in 1998.