Donald Warren keeps his options open for Acclamation
A day after Acclamation sealed an emphatic win in the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar, Don Warren revealed the future plans for his 6-year-old trainee. The bay colt, who has won 11 races so far, lived up to the high expectations, when securing the first prize
in the Grade 1 Del Mar battle.
Under his regular jockey P. Valenzuela, he did a fantastic job to beat the giant like Interaction to grab the top rank with ease. The trainer is completely satisfied with his charge’s fitness, saying that the runner showed no illness after defending his
title in the Eddie Read Stakes.
Owned by Mary Hilvers, Peter Hilvers, E. W. Johnston and Judy Johnston, Acclamation has another big title to defend this season. He was a crafty champion in last year’s Grade 1 TVG Pacific Classic, which is scheduled to take place in August this year.
Talking about his horse’s plans for the remainder of the 2012 campaign, Warren disclosed that the Pacific Classic is an option alongside the Del Mar Handicap. He stated:
“We’ll be looking at the Pacific Classic, just like last year. It will all come down to how we feel about the way the meet goes with the Polytrack. If it seems like it’s kind to us, if it’s kind to the horses, that will play a big part in it. I have the
option of going (in) the Del Mar Handicap (gr. IIT) as well if I want to stay on the turf.”
Bred in California by Old English Rancho, the son of Unusual Heat has three entries in hand at the moment. After showing his magic in the Grade 2, Del Mar Handicap and Grade 1, Pacific Classic, the horse is due to appear in next year’s Breeders' Cup Turf
at Churchill Downs.
On Acclamation’s entry to the Breeders’ Cup, the handler explained: “He (Johnston) had to pay $50,000 on July 15 or $100,000 a couple weeks before (the Breeders’ Cup). Myself, I would have ridden it out in case something happens to him.”
Acclamation is in terrific form these days. He has seven consecutive victories under his belt, including two fantastic triumphs this season.
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