A total of 15 horses–headed by Hronis Racing's GISW Rock Your World (Candy Ride)–have been nominated to Del Mar's GI TVG Pacific Classic Aug. 21, a 'Win and You're In' to the Breeders' Cup Classic. Winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby in April, the John Sadler trainee was initially being targeted for the Sept. 4 GII Del Mar Derby on the turf despite having won a Grade I on the dirt. In his two most recent starts, the striking dark bay finished 17th and sixth, respectively, in the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont S. The colt's connection have notched back-to-back Pacific Classic wins with Accelerate in 2018 and Higher Power in 2019.
Sadler is also expected to run GII San Diego H. runner-up Tripoli (Kitten's Joy), who went six furlongs in 1:12.80 this morning under exercise rider Cerapio Figueroa. Also campaigned by Hronis Racing, the $450,000 KEESEP yearling purchase galloped out to seven furlongs in 1:24.80.
“I was pleased with it, he's set for the Classic,” Sadler said. Tiago Pereira, aboard for the 4-year-old colt's last three starts since May, retains the mount.
Also nominated to the race, St. Elias Stable's Dr Post (Quality Road). Trainer Todd Pletcher, from his Saratoga headquarters, indicated he's considering the coast-to-coast ship for the recent winner of the GIII Monmouth Cup July 17.
“We're going to breeze him Saturday and if we're pleased with that, he's a go,” Pletcher said.
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