Blind Luck won't be going to New York or New Jersey for races Aug. 28, making it more likely the champion filly will challenge males in the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar on the same day.
“If we run anywhere, it will be here,” said her trainer, Jerry Hollendorfer, Aug. 20, stopping short of committing Blind Luck to the 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic. The Lady’s Secret Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Oct. 1 is also a possibility.
Hollendorfer also considered last year's Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old filly for the Personal Ensign (gr. I) at Saratoga and Monmouth Park's Molly Pitcher (gr. II).
The 1 ¼-mile Pacific Classic has attracted 18 nominations. A dozen or so are likely to be entered when post positions are drawn Aug. 24.
Blind Luck, by Pollard's Vision --Lucky One (by Best of Luck), would be making her first start against males. The Kentucky-bred chestnut filly has not been out of the money in 21 career starts, including 12 wins and seven seconds, for earnings of $3,279,520. She is a six-time grade I winner for owners Mark DeDomenico, John Carver, Peter Abruzzo, and Hollendorfer.
Two-for-two at the 1 ¼-mile distance, Blind Luck has been training well over Del Mar’s Polytrack surface since returning from a nose victory over archrival Havre de Grace in the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. II) July 16.
Hollendorfer said the next major workout for Blind Luck, who is on a three-race win streak, would be Aug. 23 or 24.
Considered probables for the Pacific Classic (with likely jockey assignments) are: Achak (Tyler Baze), Blind Luck (Garrett Gomez), Caracortado (Joe Talamo), Don Cavallo (Luis Contreras), Game On Dude (Chantal Sutherland), Jeranimo, Setsuko (Victor Espinoza), Stately Victor, Tres Borrachos (Rafael Bejarano), and Victory Pete. Considered Pacific Classic possibles, but with other race options, are: Acclamation, Bourbon Bay, Make Music For Me, and Quindici Man.
