British Isles, Subsanador inch closer to Pacific Classic starts

A fast workout at Del Mar on Friday may lead to a start in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on Aug. 22 for British Isles, the winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in March.

British Isles was given a time of 1:00.80 for five furlongs, although trainer Richard Baltas said he clocked the 5-year-old gelding in a more rapid 58.80 seconds.

The workout was the third for British Isles since he returned to training following a farm rest.

“I was encouraged by his work” Baltas said. “I’m going to nominate him.

“I don’t think he’s lost a lot of fitness. He only had a short rest on the farm.”

Jockey Diego Herrera was aboard for the workout. Herrera rode British Isles in the Big Cap.

Baltas said the recent retirements of Grade 1 winners Journalism and Nysos has affected his decision to consider British Isles for the $1 million Pacific Classic, which is run at 1 1/4 miles.

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“He does get the distance,” Baltas said. “Journalism isn’t running. Nysos isn’t running.

“We’ll definitely look at it. With so much speed in the race, maybe we can do some good.”

Owned by Slam Dunk Racing, Debby Baltas, and Cynthia McClanahan, British Isles has not raced since he finished a well-beaten fourth in the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita on May 25. The race was won by Forged Steel, who drew away by 9 1/2 lengths.

British Isles finished a half-length behind runner-up Malarchuk, who is also under consideration for the Pacific Classic.

Other candidates for the Pacific Classic are Finger, Full Serrano, Knightsbridge, the filly Om N Joy, Shea Brennan, Subsanador, and The Goat.

On Thursday at Del Mar, Subsanador worked a mile in 1:37.20 between races under Mike Smith, who has the mount in the Pacific Classic. Subsanador worked alone in an exercise trainer Richard Mandella said was designed to replicate a race experience.

Subsanador, winner of the Grade 1 California Crown Stakes at Santa Anita in September, 2024, a race now known as the Goodwood Stakes, was last of five in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Subsanador had a mishap in the Gold Cup, nearly losing a shoe that remained partially attached during the race, Mandella said last month.

Subsanador missed the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap on July 18, but was pronounced on course for the Pacific Classic on Friday.

“I feel better with that under him,” Mandella said of the workout. “That’s a little bit like a race. I think we’re in good shape.

“I think he’ll run his race.”

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