Pee Wee Reese to take swing at Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. - Pee Wee Reese was nominated to the $100,000 California Flag Handicap on Oct. 19 at Santa Anita, but trainer Phil D’Amato confirmed Saturday the veteran stakes winner would skip that Cal-bred race and target the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Nov. 2.

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Winner of the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes last out and 9-2 second choice on DRF’s early line for the Turf Sprint, Pee Wee Reese worked an easy half-mile in 50 seconds Saturday at San Luis Rey Downs.

“He’ll go a good five-eighths next Saturday, and if he breezes good there, we’ll put up the money,” D’Amato said.

Owner-breeder Nick Alexander plans to pay the $100,000 supplement to make Pee Wee Reese eligible to the Breeders’ Cup. Flavien Prat will ride.

D’Amato also worked BC Turf candidate Acclimate a half-mile Saturday in 49 seconds. A front-running Grade 2 winner in summer at Del Mar and runner-up last out in the fast-paced Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita, Acclimate probably will set the pace in the BC Turf.