The launching of the $12,000,000 Pegasus World Cup takes place today at Gulfstream Park, with the much anticipated rematch between the top two finishers in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Arrogate and California Chrome. Today's event is now the richest thoroughbred horse race in the world, with each owner reserving a spot for their horse to break out of the gate for $1 million apiece. The Dubai World Cup had the previous highest purse of $10 million. Winner of the today's 1 1/8 mile race receives a payday of $7 million. Second place finisher $1.75 million, third will get $1 million. Each starter that finishes outside the top three spots will receive $250,000 (Owners will also share equally revenue from wagering on the race).

Main Contenders

I think trying to beat Arrogate or California Chrome would be foolish. These two monsters are the two best dirt runners in the world. They finished multiple lengths ahead over their rivals in the Breeders' Cup Classic, where Arrogate ran down Chrome in the final yards at the 1 1/4 mile distance. It's extremely tough to separate the two. If you asked 100 horseplayers who was going to win, it's possible you could get 50 votes for each. California Chrome will be running his last race today, as he heads to Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky, to begin his stallion career. The Chrome followers are going to be shedding tears, win or lose. It's going to be extremely emotional for them to see their 2016 Horse Of The Year run for the last time. Arrogate has a bright future. He has only six races as a four-year old, with his lone loss coming in his first career start. He's a freak, no doubt about it. He's training extremely well coming in, and his final kick down the stretch is nothing but stunning. Here are my top four Selections.

CALIFORNIA CHROME

California Chrome will bid to become the richest race horse of all time with a win today. Not thrilled about drawing post 12, but am thrilled about the race being at 1 1/8 miles. Expect jockey Victor Espinoza to break cleanly out of far outside post with his prize runner, and go all-out to the front. Many will disagree with me, but I don't see punishing fractions being set for the journey. Chrome is training extremely well and trainer Art Sherman says he doesn't believe that his jockey Victor Espinoza, will be looking around for competition as much as he did in the Breeders' Cup. I agree and give him the nod while holding off the late surge by Arrogate.

ARROGATE

Arrogate gets the better draw of the two with the inside post, and should get the perfect stalking trip with his early speed and ground saving journey. Here's my problem with not putting him on top. Trainer Bob Baffert is not a regular at Gulfstream Park and hasn't had a winning horse there in a very long time. Also, Arrogate's arrival to Florida was a little too late for me. Would of loved to see him arrive a few days earlier with a solid workout. I have a gut feeling he might prefer this race at a 1 1/4 mile, where he has more yardage to unleash his powerful kick, especially if early traffic problems become a issue.

The others:

NEOLITHIC will be involved early and has been training smartly for the big race for trainer Todd Pletcher. I don't see a deep closer getting up for a share today. I think you need to be on or near the lead. Four year old colt might just hang on for dear life to get a share at a big price.

SHAMON GHOST has been pointing to this race since November. Training steadily with a couple of bullet drills last two works. Dedicated runner will sit off the pace before making his big move. And if one of the top two runners don't come in today at full strength, expect him to come rolling late for a supporting roll.

Wagering Menu

If Arrogate and California Chrome show up ready to roll and get ideal trips, you're not going to be be bragging about your huge winnings. They'll finish in the top two spots. I'll take a shot with leaving Arrogate off my ticket, and with a little luck, might get a decent payout.

$10 Exacta: California Chrome with Neolithic, Shaman Gost, Keen Ice. $5 Exacta: Chrome with Noble Bird, War Story, Semper Fortis and Eragon. Total bet: $50