from Millennium Farms
Millennium Farms’ Student Council, second in the July 26 Whitney Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga, is preparing to defend his title in the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) on Aug. 24 at Del Mar in California.
Student Council, a grade I winner on dirt and synthetic surfaces, won the Pacific Classic last year, the first time the race was held on Polytrack.
In the Whitney, which marked his 29th career start, Student Council rallied from far back to finish second behind Commentator, who led all the way and never was threatened.
“I wanted to scratch him because of the outside post position, and because I wanted to be fresh for the Pacific Classic,” Millennium Farms' owner Ro Parra said. “But (trainer Steve Asmussen) assured me he would run big, no matter what. Steve was right. Student Council performed like the top class horse he is, and I am glad we made the right call.”
“This is an amazing horse to be so sound and competing at the highest level,” Asmussen said.
Six-year-old Student Council, by Kingmambo, has earnings of more than $1.5 million from eight wins, four seconds, and four thirds. Prior to his purchase by Parra in August 2007, the Kentucky-bred won the Maxxam Gold Cup Handicap at Sam Houston Race Park.
After his victory in last year’s Pacific Classic in his first start for Millennium, Student Council won the Hawthorne Gold Cup (gr. II). This year, he was third in the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. II) June 28, and won the Pimlico Special (gr. I) in his prior start May 16.