Game On Dude, Richard’s Kid heading to Del Mar for Pacific Classic preparations
After showing their magic in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup, Game On Dude and Richard’s Kid are set to move to Del Mar, where they will resume training ahead of the Pacific Classic.
Game On Dude and Richard’s Kid dominated the Hollywood Gold Cup, as they respectively secured the top two positions on the table. Bob Baffert, who trains the pair, is delighted over sweeping the big event, but admitted that there is still a lot to work on.
Game On Dude has been performing well since the start of this year. He started off the season with an excellent performance in the Grade 2 San Antonio at Santa Anita. After a superb win, he was completely unable to perpetuate his good work and as a result, finished 12th in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan at the end of March.
In the hands of regular rider Chantal Sutherland, he won the Grade 2 Californian prior to his fine performance at Hollywood Park last weekend.
Game On Dude finished fourth behind Acclamation in last year’s Pacific Classic and, Baffert admitted the fact that the 5-year-old gelding was not impressive on the Polytrack surface last season.
So, Game On Dude’s involvement in the $1 million event depends on how well he trains over the track’s Polytrack surface in the coming days.
“Last year, he didn’t train well,” Baffert said Saturday. “If he trains well, I’ll run him. If not, I’ll freshen him up.” Baffert said of last year’s Goodwood Stakes winner.
Bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, the son of Awesome Again might also take part in the $750,000, Woodward Stakes, to be held in September this year. When the handler was asked about Game On Dude’s chances of running at Saratoga, he uttered: “I wouldn’t rule it out.”
Jointly owned by Bernard C. Schiappa, Diamond Pride LLC, Lanni Family Trust and Mercedes Stables LLC, the gelding proved to be a lucky runner for Chantal Sutherland, who became the first female jockey to win the Gold Cup in its 73rd running.
On earning the great glory, she shared: “It’s pretty exciting that it got to me.”
Tags: