Accelerate, Collected working up to top form for Pacific Classic

DEL MAR, Calif. – Two of the top contenders for the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic turned in workouts at Del Mar on Monday that indicated both are coming up to the Aug. 19 race in ideal condition.

Accelerate, the upset winner over Arrogate in the San Diego Handicap in his last start, worked an easy five furlongs in 1:01.20 under jockey Victor Espinoza. About 75 minutes later, Collected continued his dazzling series of drills here with a one-mile work in 1:37.40 under Martin Garcia.

Those two, along with Arrogate – who was scheduled to work Tuesday – are among those pointing to the Pacific Classic, the meet’s richest race.

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Bob Baffert, who trains Collected, said, “He’s been working like that since he got down here.”

“He likes this track,” Baffert said. “Some horses take to it. He’s got the right style. He’s got good speed. He can lay up close.”

John Sadler, who trains Accelerate, said Espinoza “was very happy” with the way Accelerate went.

“I just wanted him to check his energy level,” Sadler said.

Both Accelerate and Collected will have one more work before the Pacific Classic.

Sadler said that Hard Aces, who had been considered for the Pacific Classic, would move to turf for his next start and go in the Grade 2, $250,000 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles, also on Aug. 19.

Hard Aces went a half-mile in 48 seconds Monday.