Where's Sterling settles in at Del Mar
Connections for candidates for the TVG Pacific Classic and three other graded stakes on the August 25 and 26 cards have until midnight tonight to place their horses’ names in nomination. The racing office will release a list of the nominations Friday morning.
Where’s Sterling exhibited a slight temperature soon after arrival, attributed to the climate change experienced during the ship, but has recovered and galloped a few times over the main track.
Heap said Thursday morning that Ramirez was scheduled to arrive on Saturday and that Where’s Sterling could possibly have his first workout on Sunday.
By phone from Chicago, Calabrese, 73, said that recent form prompted the Pacific Classic decision.
“He’s won his last two (at Calder in May and June) and we decided to take a shot,” Calabrese said.
Calabrese owned Dreaming of Anna, the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and Eclipse Award winner. He also owned Lewis Michael, who finished fifth in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, won the 2008 Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar and then finished seventh in the Dirt Mile at Santa Anita.
Calabrese said he’s never been to Del Mar but, since he’s fighting a cold at the moment, isn’t expecting to be able to come out for the Classic.