Del Mar: Acclamation's work slower than owner had hoped

DEL MAR, Calif. - Acclamation worked seven furlongs on Del Mar’s Polytrack surface in 1:28.80 on Wednesday, an exercise much slower than owner Bud Johnston would have preferred in advance of a decision on the 5-year-old’s next start.

Johnston, and trainer Don Warren, are between the $1 million Pacific Classic over 1 1/4 miles on Polytrack on Aug. 28 or the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap over 1 3/8 miles on turf the same day. Acclamation has won three consecutive graded stakes on turf since May, but may switch surfaces next week.

Johnston wanted a faster work on Wednesday to see how Acclamation responded under pressure on Polytrack. Jockey Patrick Valenzuela was aboard Acclamation on Wednesday.

“I wanted to see his action when he was asked to run a little,” Johnston said. “His action on the turf is beautiful. We know he’s a good turf horse.”

Johnston said Acclamation has time for another workout early next week before a decision is due. “We’ve got time for a short work,” he said.