Win the Space drills for Pacific Classic

DEL MAR, Calif. – Win the Space, a 4-year-old colt trained by George Papaprodromou, has shown significant improvement in recent months, finishing second and third in graded stakes.

The problem is his competition. Win the Space is part of a division that includes California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, the millionaire Dortmund, and the three-time champion Beholder. They are the leading contenders for the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar next Saturday, a race also on Win the Space’s schedule.

On Saturday at Del Mar, Win the Space had his final major workout for the Classic, going six furlongs in 1:12.20 under jockey Joe Talamo. Win the Space will be a longshot in the Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles. The race is worth a try, Papaprodromou said.

“He’s getting better and better,” he said.

Papaprodromou is realistic about Win the Space’s chances. He will instruct Talamo to position Win the Space as a stalker and hope for a surprise against a tough field.

“We’ll settle off the pace and go from there,” Papaprodromou said.

Win the Space was second in the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita on June 25 and third behind California Chrome and Dortmund in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap on July 23. Owned by Rustin Kretz, Win the Space has won 3 of 12 starts and earned $256,227.

Win the Space is part of a probable field of eight or nine in the Pacific Classic.

Four other expected starters worked Saturday. Hard Aces, the winner of the Grade 3 Cougar II Handicap at 1 1/2 miles on July 24, worked five furlongs in 1:00.40. Dalmore, the only 3-year-old expected to start, worked five furlongs in 1:02.80. War Story, who will be a longshot, worked a quick five furlongs in 58.40 seconds. Imperative, fifth in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita, worked six furlongs in 1:12.

Hard Aces, trained by John Sadler, was sixth in the 2015 Pacific Classic behind Beholder. Sadler said Hard Aces did not need much from Saturday’s workout.

“His prep was at a mile and a half,” Sadler said.

Trainer Bob Baffert said Hoppertunity is not a definite starter, pending a workout Sunday. Hoppertunity was third in the $10 million Dubai World Cup in March and fourth in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita.