'Exciting workout' cements Pavel's Pacific Classic status

Doug O’Neill-trained and J. Paul Reddam-owned Pavel put in a workout Friday that appears to have punched his ticket to the Grade 1, $1 million TVG Pacific Classic on Saturday, August 18.

“It was an exciting workout, and I heard from the connections for the horse that the decision for the Pacific Classic is really strong,” O’Neill assistant Leandro Mora said Saturday morning. “I’m happy, too, because it means that we can all see him run.”

Pavel worked in company with King Cause, a 3-year-old targeted for the West Virginia Derby next week. Pavel, a 4-year-old son of Creative Cause who was a winner last out in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on June 16, was timed in 1:12.60, best of four at the distance that morning. King Cause covered the distance in 1:14.60.

A career earner of $1.175 million from three wins in 10 starts, Pavel was under consideration to ship east for one of the major handicap division events upcoming there.

In other Pacific Classic news, Accelerate -- winner of the Santa Anita Handicap and Gold Cup at Santa Anita -- is scheduled to work Sunday morning. Juan Leyva, assistant trainer to John Sadler, is expected to be in the irons for what Sadler said would be a six-furlong go.