With his connections drawn in by the opportunity to win $7 million, the 1-1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup Invitational on Saturday presented California Chrome the opportunity to go into retirement with one final big win. However, Arrogate had other ideas, running away down the stretch for the victory. Shaman Ghost finished in second to earn $1.75 million, and Neolithic third for $1 million.

Arrogate paid $3.80 to win, $2.80 to place, and $2.20 to show. Shaman Ghost paid $8.60 to place and $5.80 to show. Neolithic paid $6 to show.

Frequently billed as the world’s richest thoroughbred horse race, with a record $12 million purse, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational’s real plot was the rematch between co-favorites Arrogate and California Chrome. The 6-year-old Chrome won all but one of his races in 2016 en route to being named horse of the year. The sole loss came in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he was bested by Arrogate.

Chrome and Arrogate entered as near co-favorites — Arrogate inched up to 4-5 favorite while Chrome was 6-5 just before the start — while Keen Ice, who finished third in the Classic last year, had 12-1.

Noble Bird took an early lead, with Chrome and Arrogate running near each other for much of the race. But once they turned for the stretch Arrogate found an extra gear that Chrome just didn’t have.

Arrogate’s time in the win was 1 minute, 47 seconds.

The entry fee for the stakeholders race was $1 million, and the field was open to horses ages 4 years and above.