After puzzling Pacific Classic, Stilleto Boy moving on to Awesome Again

Stilleto Boy was eased in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Sept. 2, a loss trainer Ed Moger, Jr., is ready to forget in advance of the Santa Anita autumn meeting that begins later this month.

Stilleto Boy, winless in three starts since the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in March, struck the side of his stall in the starting gate and was away awkwardly in the $1 million Pacific Classic. Stilleto Boy was at the back of the 10-horse field quickly and was not a factor before jockey Kent Desormeaux eased the 5-year-old gelding in the stretch.

“I think he knocked the wind out of himself when he hit the gate,” Moger said. “He was really good after the race. It was weird.

“Going into the race, he was going as good as he’s ever gone. I was expecting the best race ever.”

Owned by Moger’s brother, Steve, Stilleto Boy is currently based with Moger’s stable at Golden Gate Fields and will remain there until a potential start in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on Sept. 30. The winner of the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes earns a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 4, a race that remains in Ed Moger’s plans for Stilleto Boy.

“I’m going to breeze him and we’ll make the decision” about the Awesome Again, Moger said.

:: Bet with the Best! Get Free DRF PPs and Cashback when you wager. Join DRF Bets.