Union Strike targets Acorn Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. – Union Strike, a close second in the Grade 2 Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs last Friday, will be pointed for the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park on June 10.

The $700,000 Acorn Stakes is run at a mile around one turn and is for 3-year-old fillies.

“I think the one turn, with the big turns, will be perfect for her,” owner and trainer Mick Ruis said on Sunday.

Union Strike was beaten a head by Benner Island in the Eight Belles Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs on a sealed and sloppy track. Union Strike raced on the inside before jockey Brice Blanc angled her to the outside in the middle of the stretch. Union Strike closed well but just missed.

“We were unlucky to lose that race,” Ruis said. “She looked like the best horse. The winner ran well, too.”

Union Strike has won 2 of 6 starts and earned $302,160. Both of her wins have come in stakes – the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante last September and the Santa Paula Stakes at Santa Anita last month.