Hollywood Futurity (G1) hero DECLAN’S MOON (Malibu Moon) exited the race in
good order and will continue to train at Hollywood Park this winter, according
to conditioner Ron Ellis.
“He’s going to stay at Hollywood,” Ellis said. “He’s been training here since
the day after he broke his maiden at Del Mar.”
Ellis said the juvenile “ate up good” and would be walked for seven to 10
days before his three-year-old debut would be planned. The gelding completed a
perfect year when taking the Futurity, remaining undefeated through four career
starts including the Del Mar Futurity (G2) and the Hollywood Preview S. (G3).
The juvenile is considered a leading contender for the Eclipse Award for
two-year-old champion.
Trainer John Shirreffs was happy with the runner-up effort of his charge,
GIACOMO (Holy Bull).
“It was a good effort,” Shirreffs said. “He came back in good order, and I
think he will be even better with added distance.”
WILKO (Awesome Again), who shocked in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), was
just a nose back of Giacomo despite racing with a quarter crack in his left
front. He will get some time off to let the injury heal, according to Craig
Dollase.
“It was a little tender around the area where we had a patch,” Dollase said.
“He’ll get a little break, and it should grow out fine. It’s unfortunate this
happened and he wasn’t 100 percent, but he gave a big effort and we’re looking
forward to the next go-around.”
Champagne S. (G1) hero and 2-1 second choice PROUD ACCOLADE (Yes It’s True)
puzzled Todd Pletcher’s assistant trainer Michael McCarthy with his fifth-place
finish.
“He ate up and we went over him twice this morning and couldn’t find anything
wrong,” McCarthy said. “The way he had trained here the last 10 days, we
expected more.”
Proud Accolade will ship to Palm Meadows in Florida and rejoin Pletcher on
Tuesday.