Cupid's Claws to either Pacific Classic or Del Mar Handicap
The former claimer Cupid’s Claws will start in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic or Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap on Aug. 21 after a game second-place finish in the Grade 3 Cougar II Stakes at 1 1/2 miles on July 18.
Cupid’s Claws was beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Pacific Classic hopeful Tizmagician in the Cougar II Stakes on dirt after dueling for the lead on the turn.
Trainer Craig Dollase said Friday that a race goal will be finalized for Cupid’s Claws in mid-August after nominations are published for the $750,000 Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles on dirt and the $300,000 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf.
“We’ve got options,” Dollase said. “I’m not leaning one way or another. We’re happy to see him rebound after his last race.”
Owned by the partnership of Flawless Racing, Masino Racing Stable, Brian Flanagan, and Michael Jarvis, Cupid’s Claws was claimed for $50,000 when third in an optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar last September, the third time the gelding was claimed at the track’s summer meeting. Cupid’s Claws won his debut for Dollase and the partnership in the Grade 3 Tokyo City Stakes at 1 1/2 miles at Santa Anita last September.