Accelerate 'super' in penultimate Pacific Classic 2018 workout

John Sadler-trained Accelerate, the probable favorite for the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic, worked six furlongs in 1:12.20 Sunday morning, leaving only one more significant exercise remaining, probably next Sunday, before the August 18 event at Del Mar.

With assistant trainer Juan Leyva up, the 5-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky clicked off splits of :13 flat, :25.40, :37.20 and :59.80 by track clockers and covered the ground from the quarter pole to the finish line in :23.60.

“Super, really sharp,” Sadler said of the effort by the horse who has notched victories in the Santa Anita Handicap and Gold Cup at Santa Anita this year. “A very good work, so we’re right where we’re supposed to be and we’re very pleased.”

Also working for Sadler on Sunday morning was Curlin Rules, a 5-year-old son of Curlin who is bound for the Longacres Mile Handicap next Sunday at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington. Tyler Baze will make the journey to ride.

Curlin Rules was officially timed in 1:02.80 for five furlongs.

It won’t be Sadler’s first shot at the $200,000 race that is the highlight of the thoroughbred racing season in the Pacific Northwest. “I’ve had a couple good efforts,  but haven’t won it,” Sadler said.

A year ago, Del Mar-based trainer Vann Belvoir shipped Gold Rush Dancer to Emerald Downs to be ridden to victory by Evin Roman.