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.