Accelerate puts in final work, drilling briskly for Pegasus
ARCADIA, Calif. – In a little more than a week, Accelerate will leave the care of trainer John Sadler and head to stud duty at Lane’s End Farm. Prior to that will be his final race, the Pegasus World Cup next Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Friday will be his final gallop.
All those markers of a career winding down are bubbling just below the surface for Sadler, who tried to keep his attention focused on the task at hand Saturday morning at Santa Anita when Accelerate had his final work for the Pegasus in what was the final work of his career.
“We’re trying not to think about that too much, want to focus on Saturday,” Sadler said. “And then we’ll have a little hole in our heart.”
Sadler’s heart swelled with pride on Saturday because Accelerate, once an indifferent work horse, looked as sharp as could be in his drill. With assistant trainer Juan Leyva up per usual, Accelerate flew through five furlongs in 58.80 seconds just after the first renovation break of the morning. He worked alone, finished with enthusiasm, and galloped out well.
“Very good work,” Sadler said. “It’s been a tough, challenging week, dancing around a wet track, but he was able to get out every day. I think he’s ready. We’re not saving anything for a yearlong campaign.
“All the things we can control have gone well. I’m happy with his preparation. Now it’ll come down to how he likes the track and his post.”
The Santa Anita track was in excellent condition Saturday morning after a week of heavy rain in Southern California. Racing was canceled on Thursday, and rain had stopped by the time racing was to resume Friday, allowing the track to be sealed during the worst of the rain on Thursday and be ready for its demands over the holiday weekend for both racing and training.
Accelerate is scheduled to fly to Florida early Tuesday morning on a flight that stops in New Orleans and then continues on to South Florida. Sadler is flying to Florida on Monday and will be at Gulfstream to welcome Accelerate on Tuesday and to attend that day’s draw for the Pegasus.
Accelerate is in line for a big week. On Thursday night, he is a cinch to win the Eclipse Award as champion older male on dirt, and he is a finalist for Horse of the Year, a category in which he has received strong backing against Triple Crown winner Justify.
