Beholder to Defend Pacific Classic Win
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Beholder won last year's Pacific Classic by 8 1/4 lengths.
Trainer Richard Mandella has confirmed Spendthrift Farm's champion Beholder for the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I), a race for which California Chrome and Dortmund are also pointing, Aug. 20 at Del Mar.
In Beholder's last race July 30 she was narrowly defeated by Stellar Wind in the Clement L. Hirsch (gr. I), also at Del Mar. Mandella had been contemplating the mare's next race, but said the daughter of Henny Hughes is ready to defend her 8 1/4-length win in last year's Pacific Classic.
"We're excited to give it a try. I was reluctant to decide too early," Mandella told TVG's Britney Eurton. "I didn't want to force her into our plans, but you saw the work the other day. She's in great shape. She came out of it great. You only live once."
In her latest workout Aug. 10, Beholder breezed five furlongs in :59 flat.
When asked if the work was the reason for his decision to run in the Pacific Classic, Mandella said it was less about how fast she went and more about the way she handled the work.
"You can work her fast any time you want," he said. "It's how she did it, how she comes out...if she's got a smile on her face."