ARCADIA, Calif. — The Breeders’ Cup Classic owes Game On Dude and Bob Baffert.

Last year, the 5-year-old gelding was beaten in the closing strides of the $5 million race. Drosselmeyer won by 1½ lengths and was retired soon thereafter, while Game On Dude has soldiered on to win four stakes this year. He faltered in the Dubai World Cup, but his worst effort in two years was overshadowed by a heart attack suffered by Baffert.