Arrogate, Accelerate work for Pacific Classic rematch

Multiple Grade/Group 1 hero Arrogate highlighted the workers readying for the August 19 Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) at Del Mar over the past few days.

The Bob Baffert trainee worked seven furlongs on Tuesday over Del Mar’s fast dirt in 1:25.20 with Martin Garcia aboard. It was his first work since finishing a well-beaten fourth in the San Diego Handicap (G3) on July 22.

“It was a serious work,” Baffert said. “He didn’t need much encouragement. He’s showing no signs (of regressing following his fourth-place finish in the San Diego Handicap). He’s moving forward.

“I’ve seen a big difference in him since that last race. He’s back to his old self again.”

Accelerate was the dominant winner of the San Diego, wiring the 1 1/16-mile affair by 8 1/2 lengths to earn a stellar 111 BRIS Speed rating. The John Sadler-trained four-year-old covered five furlongs in 1:01.20 under regular rider Victory Espinoza on Monday at Del Mar for the Pacific Classic.

“A nice easy work and Victor said he felt good,” Sadler said. “One more work on Sunday and, if all goes well, he’ll be ready for the Pacific Classic.”

While Sadler was happy with Accelerate’s move, he also took time to praise the work by Baffert trainee Collected.

That Grade 2 scorer clocked a mile at Del Mar on Monday in 1:37.40, prompting Sadler to proclaim Wednesday, “Of all the horses training up to the Classic, I think Collected is training the best.”

Collected is three-for-three on the year, including a 14-length romp in the Precisionist Stakes (G3) last out on June 24. That easy score saw the City Zip four-year-old also earn a 111 BRIS Speed rating.

“(Collected) has always been a good work horse and he loves this track.” Baffert said.

Grade 1 winner Hard Aces finished eighth in last year’s edition of the Pacific Classic and sixth in the 2016 running, but will bypass a third try in favor of the grassy Del Mar Handicap (G2) on the same day, Sadler said.

The Hard Spun seven-year-old just missed by a nose last out in the July 26 Cougar II Handicap (G3) at Del Mar and will be trying turf for only the third time in his career in Del Mar ‘Cap.