Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner Dullahan zipped five furlongs in 1:00 1/5 at Churchill Downs Aug. 11 in preparation for the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 26.
Under regular exercise rider Faustino Aguilar, Dullahan's work was the fastest of 20 horses at that distance.
Jerry Crawford, head of the Donegal Racing partnership that owns Dullahan, said in an email the Kentucky-bred son of Even the Score would head west "as soon as we can get a plane organized."
Dullahan, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) before disappointing as the 5-2 favorite in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), has earnings of more than $1.1 million from 11 career starts in which he has recorded two wins, two seconds, and three third-place finishes. Both of Dullahan's wins have come over the Keeneland Polytrack surface.
"He obviously likes the Polytrack, and this (Pacific Classic) was our best opportunity to get him back on it in a big race," trainer Dale Romans said by telephone from Saratoga Race Course.
Crawford said that Joel Rosario, who won Del Mar jockey titles from 2009-2011 before relocating to New York this spring, would return to California to ride Dullahan.
Arrangements are being made for Dullahan to be stabled at Barn P with trainer Tom Proctor’s horses. Crawford said exercise rider/assistant trainer Tammy Fox, Romans' wife, would accompany Dullahan on the trip, as will a groom who is familiar with the horse.
Deadline for nominations to the Pacific Classic is Aug. 16, but a list of contenders, in addition to Dullahan, includes Acclamation, Game On Dude, Richard's Kid , Jaycito, Interaction, Suggestive Boy, Rail Trip, John Scott, Kettle Corn , Where's Sterling, and Amani.
