Accelerate Dominates G1 Pacific Classic

Outstanding performer Accelerate (5h Lookin at Lucky x Issues, by Awesome Again) was in a class of his own when winning the $1million Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Saturday by a commanding 12½ lengths.

He continued his domination of the California handicap division with a career best performance in this “Win and You’re In” event for the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Accelerate cruised home under his own steam to win the 1¼ mile contest by the biggest margin in the history of the event under a quiet ride from Joel Rosario.

“It was very impressive,” said winning trainer John Sadler. “He’s been good on this track, he’s won stakes here every year. The only thing I was nervous about was Joel [Rosario]. I told him ‘Ride him like he’s the best horse. Don’t let anything cheap get in front of you. Stay in contact with the leaders.’ He did that so I knew [Accelerate] would kick in well.”

The victory took his overall record to eight wins and 10 placings from 20 starts earning over $2.3 million.

A $380,000 Keeneland September purchase, Accelerate runs for Hronis Racing and was the most expensive yearling by his sire sold in 2014.

A half-brother to stakes-winners Amarish and Daddy DT, Accelerate is from the good producing stakes-placed mare Issues.