Acclamation Might Go in Sunset
A work at Santa Anita Monday is expected to clarify the status of Acclamation for the $100,000 Sunset Handicap on closing day, July 17.
Acclamation, who has already won the Grade I Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap and Grade II Jim Murray Memorial Handicap on the Hollywood Park turf for the second year in a row, would rule a heavy favorite in the Grade III test at 1 ½ miles on grass.
Joe Talamo has the return call on the 5-year-old California-bred for trainer Don Warren. The Old English Rancho homebred has shown a preference for the Inglewood lawn, winning five times in eight tries.
Four other Sunset nominees worked Sunday. Chilean import Ashtar worked one mile on turf in 1:42.40 under jockey Martin Pedroza for his United States debut for trainer Ruben Cardenas.
Celtic New Year, runner-up to Acclamation in the Whittingham, worked seven furlongs in 1:25.20 on Cushion Track to the satisfaction of trainer John Sadler. Victor Espinoza has the call back.
Restless Soul, a 7-year-old mare in the Neil Drysdale stable, worked six furlongs on turf in 1:16.20. Atticus Jack worked five furlongs on the main track in 1:01.
Victorian Prince, winner of a 1 ¼-mile turf race here on June 9, is another probable starter under jockey Alonso Quinonez for trainer Steve Knapp.