Acclamation scores for trainer Donald Warren in the Eddie Read Stakes for the second time
Acclamation did it! Not only did he maintain his winning streak, he managed to defend his crown in the Grade 1 Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar on 21st July, 2012, with rider Patrick Valenzuela aboard.
Racing over 1 1/8 miles with 123 pounds, the son of Unusual Heat, was the market leader and he lived up to all expectations, when he finished 2 ¾ lengths ahead of the Ronald McAnally trained, Interaction, while the third place was secured by the Gary
and Mary West Stables owned, Casino Host.
Foaled by Silveyville mare Winning In Style, Acclamation was the pacesetter of the race and led early on with Slim Shadey, who pursued in second place.
It was a gate to wire victory for Acclamation, who was followed by Hog’s Hollow, and Interaction when setting early fractions.
He maintained his lead throughout the first three quarters, as he completed the opening quarter-mile in 24.97 seconds, half-mile in 49 seconds and six furlongs in 1 minute and 12.57 seconds.
The California bred runner tackled the turn well but, it wasn’t smooth for Slim Shadey, who was mounted by Garrett Gomez.
Interaction, under jockey Brice Blanc, made some ground but wasn’t speedy enough to catch up to Acclamation.
The winning rider expressed his delight with Acclamation’s victory as he said:
“I’m going to say this now and I mean it: he’s a great horse."
Valenzuela further added:
“Any horse that runs the way he does, making all the pace himself, then comes home the way he did (last three eighths in: 34.29) is a really good horse."
Trainer Donald Warren was also ecstatic about the way the six-year-old performed as he remarked:
“I think he is the best turf horse in the country at a mile and an eighth or more, don’t you? Has anybody beaten him at it yet? Until they do, he’s the best turf horse in the country. He’s just developed into a wonderful, wonderful horse."
The Eclipse award winning horse has now won his two starts this season and, he might make it three in a row for the new season, if he goes on to win the Grade 1million TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar on 26th August, 2012, which
is likely to be his next start.
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