San Diego Handicap winner Dakota Phone was reported in good shape this morning at the Jerry Hollendorfer barn, and appears to be a solid prospect for the Grade I, $1-million Pacific Classic Saturday, August 28.

Dan Ward, assistant to Hollendorfer, said the Pacific Classic certainly is under consideration. "He ran a big race yesterday and we're looking at the big race," Ward said.

As for runner-up Battle of Hastings, trainer Jeff Mullins has indicated that while his trainee ran really well in his debut on a synthetic surface, spacing could be a problem for the 4-year-old grass expert. He said following the race that Battle of Hastings is not one who is wheeled back in a four-week span and the fact he ran so hard in the San Diego after a long layoff could work against him.

Enriched, who finished third in the San Diego, likely is a viable Pacific Classic candidate also. Spacing doesn't seem to be a factor for him, since he wheeled back in a week from a third in the Eddie Read on turf July 24 to run Saturday on the main track.

Friday's Cougar II Handicap could produce a couple of Pacific Classic runners in winner Temple City and third-place finisher and defending Pacific Classic champion Richard's Kid. Richards Kid used a runner-up finish in last year's Cougar II as a prep for his winning run in the Classic.

Hollywood Gold Cup winner and three-time Pacific Classic contestant Awesome Gem will have his first workout since the Gold Cup on Tuesday.