ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - It ends today where it began 387 days ago. A 2-year-old colt trained by Frank "Bobby" Springer and ridden by A.J. Juarez Jr. went off at 16-1 in a $28,000 maiden race at Arlington Park on Oct. 4, 2001. The colt went wire-to-wire.

Today, that colt, now trained by Bob Baffert and owned by the Thoroughbred Corp., will make the final start of his career in the $4 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Arlington Park. War Emblem was offered for sale last year, but was rejected because of bone chips in both ankles and one knee.

That the 16-1 shot would become the sport's biggest name seemed about as unlikely as the colt being sold 3 weeks before the Kentucky Derby and going on the win the Derby and Preakness. He did that. And, if War Emblem wins today, he will be the 2002 Horse of the Year.

After War Emblem was listed as the morning-line favorite, someone asked Baffert whether he thought that was deserved.

"He has the best credentials," Baffert said. "Where were you all year?"

Where, indeed.

After his unlikely Derby win and his courageous Preakness win, War Emblem was the 6-5 favorite to win the Belmont Stakes and become the first Triple Crown winner in 24 years. He nearly fell at the break, was ridden tentatively and finished eighth.

The War Emblem saga always had another twist. Just when he seemed likely to win the Triple Crown, he stumbled. And then his owner died.

Saudi Arabian Prince Ahmed Salman was last seen in America after the Preakness. He did not come to the Belmont Stakes. He did not attend the Keeneland July sales, where he had been an active buyer. Then, it was announced he had died of a heart attack in Saudia Arabia on July 22.

Just days after the prince's death, War Emblem won the Haskell at Monmouth Park. He was favored to win the Aug. 25 Pacific Classic at Del Mar, but broke terribly again and finished sixth. He has not raced since.

So, what are we to think?

"When he's right, he's the best," Baffert said.

So?

"He's right," Baffert said.

There are no secrets about War Emblem. When he gets the lead, he's unbeatable. When he hasn't made the front, he hasn't come close at the finish.

"He's going to make the lead," Baffert said. "I'm convinced of that."

Baffert has explained that to his jockey, Victor Espinoza.

"He already knows he better be on the lead," Baffert said.

Saying it is one thing. Getting there is another.

"I'd just like to see him break clean," Baffert said.

Regardless of the outcome, War Emblem is off to Japan soon after the race. He recently was sold to Japanese breeders for $17 million.

War Emblem was sold by his original owner, Chicagoan Russell Reineman, for $900,000. Reineman retained 10 percent interest. Everybody felt sorry for him after War Emblem won the Derby. Counting the most recent sale, Reineman already has banked $3 million. All deals should turn out so poorly.

War Emblem already is ensured a special place in racing history. His story is just too good. All the story needs now is an ending.

Lake in Cup

Scott Lake has won more than 1,000 races the last 3 years. He has dominated the claiming game in the mid-Atlantic like nobody in history. He will send out his first Cup starter today when Thunderello runs in the Sprint.

Thunderello has started only five times. And the Sprint is a brutal race. The colt might be 50-1. Or more.

"We know experiencewise, it's not the right thing to do," Lake said. "But I don't think it will hurt him."

Thunderello's owner Charles Mady, a Michigan attorney, turned down $2 million for the horse last year.

The owner told Lake "the final decision is yours, but I'd really like to go."

So, here Lake is, amid all the moneyed people in the sport. It's far from his home base at Philadelphia Park.

"I know we need a miracle," Lake said. "As I was agonizing about it, I passed a car on the way to Belmont. It had a bumper sticker on it that said, 'Miracles happen.' "

Sky Mesa out

Sky Mesa, the early favorite in the Juvenile, won't race because of a right front ankle injury. Trainer John Ward said X-rays showed a soft filling, rather than a more serious sprain or cracked cannon bone.

"I think we dodged a bullet," Ward said.