Connections Happy After Pacific Classic Draw
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Comments on post positions on the morning after Wednesday’s draw:
Richard Mandella, Catch a Flight (No. 7) and Beholder (No. 9) – “Good for both, I’m happy with it. I’m happy just to be in it.”
John Sadler, Class Leader (No.1) and Hard Aces (No. 4) – “I’m fine with both. They both are closers so it didn’t matter that much. They’re a little to the inside, so they can get towards the rail and save ground.”
Doug O’Neill, Bailoutbobby (No. 2) – “I thought the two hole was fine. We know it’s a tough race but we’re happy with the shot.” (O’Neill’s lone victory from seven previous starters came with Lava Man, out of the No. 2 post, in 2006).
Phil D’Amato, Midnight Storm (far outside, No. 10) – “We don’t have to worry about somebody coming over on us from the outside. We’ll be the last to load and Tyler (Baze) will be able to break and see what everyone else is doing to the inside. He’s got speed and we’ll use it some time.”
Lee Vickers (assistant to Christophe Clement), Red Vine (No. 5) – “I think all the horsemen – owners, trainers, jockeys – are happy with the draw. We’re in the middle, which gives (jockey Joel Rosario) choices.”
Richard Baltas, Imperative (No. 6) – “He comes from behind and I’m fine with it. Going a mile and a quarter, anybody who is complaining about post position shouldn’t be in the race.”
AMERICAN PHAROAH TODAY
The Triple Crown champion galloped just over a mile and a half under exercise rider George Alvarez. Trainer Bob Baffert has indicated that American Pharoah’s next work will be Sunday morning in the usual 7:45-8 a.m. time frame.
NTRA LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING FRIDAY AT DEL MAR
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) will host a legislative briefing open to industry stakeholders and other interested parties Friday in Del Mar’s Turf Club Director’s Room. It will begin shortly after 2 p.m.
NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop and NTRA COO Keith Chamblin will address the latest news from Washington on federal legislation and other developments that could impact California horse racing.
Among the topics to be discussed are efforts on behalf of horseplayers, including progress in the push to modernize how winning pari mutuel wagers are reported and withheld; owners issues including three-year depreciation for owners of racehorses; 50% bonus depreciation and the Sec. 179 expense allowance; internet gaming bills, and federal proposals to centralize the regulation of drugs and medications in horse racing testing.
MORRIS, STEPHEN GUEST ON WEEKEND HANDICAPPING SEMINARS
Johnny (West Coast Wheelie) Morris will provide selections on Saturday and Craig Stephen, agent for jockey Santiago Gonzalez, will be Millie Ball’s gueston Sunday for the Weekend Handicapping Seminars.
The sessions will be from 12:45-1:30 p.m. both days at the Seaside Terrace area of the track near the top of the stretch.
CLOSERS -- Santiago Gonzalez won two races on Wednesday to move within one of Flavien Prat in the battle of Del Mar rookie riders in the jockey standings. Prat holds down fourth place with 16 wins, eight behind leader Rafael Bejarano … Two wins on Wednesday moved defending training co-champion Jerry Hollendorfer to within one of leader Doug O’Neill (13-12) … Selected works from 123 officially timed on dirt and 14 on turf Thursdaymorning: Dirt – Bully Pulpit (5f, 1:01.00), Sky Kingdom (4f, :48.40); Turf – Safety Belt (6f, 1:14.20), Om (5f, 1:02.80), Winning Prize (4f, :47.20).
Source: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
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