Hollendorfer being patient with Iron Fist

DEL MAR, Calif. – Iron Fist finished second in the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 19, which could reasonably have led to a start in a Breeders’ Cup race at Keeneland this weekend.

Instead, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer has taken a more low-key approach. He has entered Iron Fist in an optional claimer at a mile at Del Mar on Sunday, a race that could be a prep for the $150,000 Native Diver Handicap at 1 1/8 miles here Nov. 28.

“We might look at that if he does well in this race,” Hollendorfer said. “We want to get him in a positive position.”

Ultimately, Hollendorfer is hopeful that Iron Fist can play a leading role in California’s handicap division in 2016.

“We’re looking forward to next year,” he said.

Owned by Regis Racing and Stonestreet Stables, Iron Fist was purchased for $1,550,000 as a yearling and has won 2 of 8 starts. Iron Fist was third behind American Pharoah in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity in 2014 as a maiden. Earlier this year, Iron Fist won consecutive races at Santa Anita, against maidens and in an optional claimer, before finishing fourth in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer in August.

In the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx, Iron Fist led on the turn and was beaten two lengths by Frosted.

For Sunday’s race, Iron Fist will be fitted with blinkers for the first time on the advice of regular rider Mike Smith.

“We’re not putting a big set on him,” Hollendorfer said. “We’re hoping this will make him concentrate.”

Smith rides Iron Fist on Sunday against five rivals. Just Kidding and Solid Wager each won an optional claimer last out. Sammy Mandeville, second in the Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs in August, drew the outside post.