Dollase gets acquainted with BC Juvenile Fillies hopeful Union Strike
Craig Dollase, who recently received 19 horses from Mick Ruis after the owner ended his business relationship with his daughter, trainer Shelbe, worked one of them Saturday morning, Grade I Del Mar Debutante winner Union Strike, the favorite for the $2 million 14 Hands Winery Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 5.
“Mick and (his wife) Wendy have put a lot of money into the game in a short period of time,” said Dollase, who turns 46 on Dec. 8, and at the age of 27 in 1998 became the youngest trainer to saddle a Breeders’ Cup winner when Reraise dominated the field in the Sprint at Churchill Downs.
“With my years of experience and horsemanship, I hope that keeps the ship rolling. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. Union Strike worked in 1:14 out of the gate with Martin Garcia up. He was pleased with the work and we’re right on schedule.”
FINISH LINES: Kentucky Derby king Nyquist is scheduled to work Monday as the male two-year-old champion of 2015 trained by Doug O’Neill for Reddam Racing prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Classic . . . Probable for next Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for three-year-olds and up at about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in the Golden State Series: Acceptance, Boozer, Never Say Try, Richard’s Boy and Somethings Unusual . . . Congrats to the Red Baron Barn of long-time owner Jed Cohen on back-to-back winners Friday, Itsinthepost under Tyler Baze for trainer Jeff Mullins in the fifth race and Generous Pour under Flavien Prat for Jack Carava in the sixth. Cohen had Darrell Vienna as his trainer for eons until his retirement earlier this year . . . Family affair: Tiago Pereira, who won Friday’s seventh race aboard Atomic Rule ($14) for trainer Richard Baltas, was joined in the Winner’s Circle by his wife, Fernanda, and their baby girl, Valentina, just two months old tomorrow . . . Agent Susan McBrayer has taken the book of jockey Gonzalo Ulloa, who rode Chilean invader Kitkat to a second-place finish in the Swingtime Stakes last Saturday in his first-ever ride in the United States. Kitcat, a candidate for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile against males, worked three furlongs Saturday in 36 seconds flat, breezing . . . The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m., at Santa Anita. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website . . . Tomorrow, Santa Anita hosts the popular Road Kings of Burbank Car Show, free in its spacious Infield.
Source: Santa Anita Park