Pacific Classic Contenders Work
Four major candidates for the TVG Pacific Classic put in penultimate workouts here during the two “dark” days of racing and undefeated Shared Belief did likewise at Golden Gate Fields.
The efforts proved pleasing to parties close to the runners being targeted for the $1 million, 1 ¼-mile event on Sunday, August 24, and kept the anticipation level high for the 24th running of the meeting’s signature event.
On Monday, San Diego Handicap third-place finisher You Know I Know went six furlongs in 1:11.60, fastest of nine for the distance, under exercise rider Brian Pena.
“A good work,” trainer John Sadler said. “He went five-eighths in :59 and they gave him the gallop-out time. He’ll have one more major work, Sunday or Monday.”
Working six furlongs on Tuesday were San Diego Handicap winner Fed Biz (1:11.60), runner-up Footbridge (1:14.00), and fourth place Frac Daddy (1:11.20). The same morning, defending champion Game On Dude covered seven furlongs in 1:24.60.
Martin Garcia was up on both Fed Biz and Game On Dude for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.
“Strong works for both,” Baffert said. It would seem unlikely that Baffert would run both Game On Dude and Fed Biz in the Classic. Baffert, who is considering several options for Fed Biz, said he is honing in on one but declined to give specifics.
Frac Daddy, whose workouts are being overseen by Blake Heap for trainer Ken McPeek, was ridden by Martin Pedroza in the work that was fastest of five marquee horses at the distance.
“I don’t know who’s going to ride him (in the Classic) yet, but Martin was around so I grabbed him,” Heap said. “The horse worked beautiful. He only worked five-eighths, but they got him galloping out (to six furlongs).”
Footbridge was ridden by Modesto Linares. “I thought it was a very good work,” said trainer Eoin Harty. “I believe he’s fit, I believe he’s ready and we’re looking forward to it.”
Shared Belief worked 7 furlongs in 1:28.20 on Tuesday at Golden Gate Fields. The Eclipse Award winner in the 2-year-old male category for 2013, with five wins in as many career starts, will work there again next Tuesday then ship down for the race.