Accelerate Seeks Third Straight Win in Los Alamitos Derby

Accelerate, who is undefeated since stretched out by trainer John Sadler, is expected to seek his third consecutive win in the $200,000 Los Alamitos Derby, which will be run for the third time Saturday, Sept. 24.

A Grade II for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles, the Los Alamitos Derby has been won the previous two years by Shared Belief (2014) and Gimme Da Lute (2015).

Owned by the Hronis Racing LLC of Kosta and Pete Hronis, Accelerate, a son of Lookin At Lucky and the Awesome Again mare Issues, is among 12 nominated to the Derby.

After breaking his maiden by nearly nine lengths in his first try at one mile July 28, Accelerate, who was purchased for $300,000 at the Keeneland September sale in 2014, returned to win the Shared Belief Stakes at the same distance Aug. 26. He’s earned $116,800 in five starts.

Bred in Kentucky by Mike Abraham, Accelerate finished second in his career debut at six furlongs April 17 at Los Alamitos. He was beaten by a half-length by longshot Westbrook while finishing a half-length in front of Arrogate, the much-troubled 1-2 favorite.

Arrogate, who ran the fastest Travers in history when easily capturing the historic Grade I Aug. 27 at Saratoga, and multiple stakes winner Cupid were both nominated  to the Los Alamitos Derby by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, but neither will compete.

Owned by Juddmonte Farms, Inc., Arrogate, who won the Travers and ran the 1 ¼ miles in 1:59.36, is not expected to start again until the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 6.

Cupid, who finished fourth in his career debut last Dec. 20 at Los Alamitos, is a three-time Grade II winner, having taken the Rebel at Oaklawn Park, the Indiana Derby at Indiana Grand and the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer. The gray son of Tapit is scheduled to make his next appearance in the Grade II, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby Sept. 24 at Parx.

Semper Fortis, Taman Guard and Mishegas, the 2-3-4 finishers in the Shared Belief, were also nominated to the Los Alamitos Derby and are expected to run. The remaining nominees are Arizona Moon, Blackjackcat, Chris and Dave, Sugar Buzz and the Baffert-trained Ten Blessings.

Entries for the Los Alamitos Derby will be taken Wednesday, Sept. 21.