With big boys away, Acceptance will play in Cary Grant Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – The plan for multiple stakes winner Acceptance was to bypass the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for California-breds on Sunday at Del Mar and wait for a Grade 3 turf sprint Dec. 26 at Santa Anita. Trainer Kenny Black called an audible.

“I wasn’t going to run him in the Cary Grant, but when I looked at the nominations and saw no Masochistic, no Soi Phet, none of the big Cal-breds, it just looked like a good spot,” Black said.

Not an easy spot, just a good spot. And after Acceptance drew a favorable post in the seven-furlong race, he emerged as a leading contender seeking his second consecutive stakes and first dirt victory in nearly two years.

“It would be nice to know he can still run on the dirt, because that sure makes it easier when it comes to looking for a place to run him,” Black said.

There is no uncertainty regarding Acceptance’s sharp form. He scored a game win last out in a turf sprint stakes, and on Sunday he figures for an advantageous trip in the seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up.

Acceptance, who began his career in 2014 winning three straight on dirt, drew post 6 Sunday in a nine-horse field, outside pace rivals Tengas Ransom, Magic Mark, and Tough But Nice. Acceptance is likely to get a pressing trip, in the clear.

Assuming he still handles dirt, the next question is if Acceptance is good enough to knock off 2015 Cary Grant winner Solid Wager and multiple stakes winner Gold Rush Dancer. Magic Mark, another stakes winner, is not a confirmed starter. Trainer Ron Ellis believes he prefers two turns and could opt for the Grade 3 Native Diver on Nov. 27.

After an ambitious 2016 winter and early signs of a hind-end problem, Acceptance was sidelined in February.

“We got a little over-aggressive at the entry box; he ran five times in three months,” Black said. “He probably appreciates a little more time between races.”

Acceptance returned in September. The Cary Grant is his third start back

The Cary Grant is also the third race since Feruary for the Peter Miller-trained veteran Solid Wager.

Solid Wager had a bone chip removed from a knee in winter and ran well in both starts on the comeback trail – finishing runner-up in a summer route stakes and fifth in a fast-paced route in fall.

“Hopefully, this will be his best race, third off a layoff,” Miller said. “He’s training very well, so I expect him to run a big race.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Acceptance, by Vronsky

Last 3 Beyers: 97-87-73

◗ His only previous start at seven furlongs was a 1:21.70 victory as a juvenile on the 2014 Breeders’ Cup undercard at Santa Anita. Judy the Beauty won the BC Filly and Mare Sprint later that day in 1:21.92.

Solid Wager, by Birdonthewire

Last 3 Beyers: 90-91-54

◗ Miller has a soft spot for the 6-for-29 pro. “He’s a sweetheart, “ Miller said. “He’s like a big puppy. He just loves attention.” Miller has trained Solid Wager throughout his career.

◗ In 2013, Solid Wager finished fifth as the favorite in the Graduation Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds at Del Mar. The winner, scoring his first stakes win, was California Chrome.

Gold Rush Dancer, by Private Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 85-91-87

◗ Unplaced in successive graded stakes, he won three stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds, including a seven-furlong race at Del Mar in July.