Defunded led throughout the May 29 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita Park despite a determined Piroli dogging him throughout the 1 1/4 miles. Defunded handed trainer Bob Baffert his ninth victory in the race and the undisputed Gold Cup crown, a title Baffert had shared with the late Charlie Whittingham. “This horse got the lead and he wasn’t going to let anybody pass him,” said Baffert. “He’s getting better, and I was happy to see him get the mile and a quarter.”…
