Acapulco towers over optional-claiming rivals
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLEWhen Acapulco last raced Aug. 21, she was across the Atlantic Ocean, a rare 2-year-old filly racing against older horses in York’s Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes, in which she ran an admirable second.
Making her season debut Friday night, another second wouldn’t be described the same way given that she is running at Turfway Park in a first-level, $20,900 allowance at six furlongs. Although the race, which carries a $50,000 claiming option, is simply a prep – intended to further her conditioning for a spring campaign and a return to Royal Ascot, where she won the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes last June – she is such a standout that she likely will start at odds of 1-5 or shorter.
Riding her is Irad Ortiz Jr., the leading jockey at Saratoga last summer, who also was aboard in the Nunthorpe. He will fly to Turfway after riding the Friday afternoon card at Aqueduct, agent Steve Rushing said.
Despite the modest purse at Turfway, trainer Wesley Ward felt this race was a good starting point to her year. He said she has shown an affinity for Turfway’s synthetic Polytrack surface in workouts this winter after being sent over from where Ward stables her at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.
“Every work she’s had has been better than the one before,” Ward said. “Rather than keep working – she’s only won one race – I thought running there made sense instead of working and working.”
A 3-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy purchased for $750,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. juvenile sale last March by principals of Coolmore Stud, Acapulco has never raced on a synthetic surface. She raced once on dirt last May at Churchill Downs, finishing third after setting the pace, before her two races on turf overseas.
Ward said he would anticipate using this race as a stepping-stone for another race in about two months, likely at Keeneland, to continue her preparation for Royal Ascot.
KEY CONTENDERS
American Doll, by Tiznow
Last 3 Beyers: 57-57-72
◗ She lands in this spot as an alternative after last Saturday’s Cincinnati Trophy Stakes was not rescheduled by Turfway following the cancellation of racing that evening. She could carve out a favorable stalking trip if others grow tired chasing Acapulco.
Acapulco, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: NA-NA-57
◗ Ward’s horses have dominated at Turfway this winter, going 12 for 23 since December. Most of his starters have been of the lower-end claiming and maiden-claiming variety, not anywhere near the class of Acapulco.
Sweet Ruth E., by Twirling Candy
Last 3 Beyers: 58-35-61
◗ At her best racing on the lead, her style puts her at odds with the speedy Acapulco. She ran fifth and third in a pair of allowances after winning a maiden race in December.