Pacific Classic Hopefuls Work
Richard’s Kid, Acclamation
Bob Baffert-trained Richard’s Kid was the first to go. With jockey Rafael Bejarano up, Richard’s Kid, winner of the 2009 and 2010 runnings of the 1 ¼-mile main track event, went five furlongs in :59.80 and galloped out to three-quarters in 1:13.00.
Richard’s Kid worked in company with and outside stablemate Sequoia Warrior, the latter being timed in one minute flat for five furlongs.
“It was a nice work,” Baffert said of a work that impressed Del Mar Thoroughbred Club head clocker John Malone and his crew.
“He was in hand, skipping over the ground and it technically could have been called a breeze (unencouraged),” clocker Toby Turrell said.
When the turf course was opened for workouts at 9:45, trainer Don Warren sent out defending Pacific Classic champion Acclamation and stakes-winning stablemate Norvsky and Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally dispatched Interaction, runner-up to Acclamation in the Eddie Read.
Acclamation went six furlongs under exercise rider Fernando Valenzuela in 1:11.20 with interim splits of :12.80, :24.40; :36.00 and :48.20. Norvsky, working separately, was timed in 1:15.00 for six furlongs.
“(Acclamation) went a little faster than we thought he would, but he went so well within himself that it’s fine,” said Old English Rancho head E.W. “Bud” Johnston, owner in partnership of both Acclamation and Norvsky.
“Norvsky went a little slower than we would have liked, but he’s not the kind of horse that has to work fast anyway. So we were pleased with both works.”
Interaction worked five furlongs in 1:03.00 under Brice Blanc, the slowest of seven works at the distance over the turf.
“(Blanc) worked both Interaction and All Star Heart and said they both felt as good as ever,” McAnally said.