Hollendorfer's Assistant Owns Pacific Classic

If they presented rings for Pacific Classic victories like they do for NBA Championships, Dan Ward could match Michael Jordan finger for finger.

They don’t, of course. So Ward, chief assistant to Jerry Hollendorfer, will have to settle for memories of contributing to the six Pacific Classic victories for the late Hall of Fame trainer Robert Frankel from 1992 to 2001. While entertaining hopes of adding another with morning line favorite Shared Belief in Sunday’s 24th running of the Classic.

Saturday morning Ward listed, without prompting or assistance, the four horses that produced six wins for Frankel. Missionary Ridge (1992), Bertrando (1993), Tinners Way (1994-95) and Skimming (2000-2001).

“Tinners Way was by Secretariat,” Ward recalled. “Missionary Ridge was a long shot ($24.50-1) because there was a horse shipping in from the east (Jolie’s Halo) that everybody thought was going to go to the front. (Jolie’s Halo) dropped the rider (Edgar Prado) out of the gate and we ended up on an easy lead.

“Bertrando, he was fantastic. Skimming loved this track. He wasn’t that good anywhere else, but he was very good here.”

Ward was the second assistant to Frankel behind Humberto Ascanio. “I wasn’t here for all of them, I was usually travelling,” Ward said. “I watched Missionary Ridge from Arlington. But I bet on most of them.”

Source: Del Mar