From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2015) — Trainer Craig Lewis said that Hirsch third-place finisher Warren’s Veneda came out of the race in good shape.
Lewis also said there was “an outside chance” the 5-year-old California-bred mare, who chased Beholder home while conceding weight to the champion in the Adoration Stakes in June at Santa Anita as well as the Hirsch, would run in the TVG Pacific Classic.
“We’d get some pace, which we didn’t get yesterday,” Lewis said. “And we’ll finally get even weight (with Beholder).” The first quarter in the 1 1/16 mile Hirsch was run in :23.91, more than a half-second slower than that of an allowance optional $40,000 claimer that immediately followed.
In Lewis’ estimation the slow early pace compromised the chances of late-running Warren’s Veneda, who carried two pounds more than Beholder. In the Pacific Classic females are accorded a five-pound break in the weights. Beholder and Warren’s Veneda would both be assigned 119.
“I don’t know if we could beat Beholder under any circumstances, but it’s a $1 million race and we might give it a try,” Lewis said.
Jim Cassidy, trainer of Hirsch runner-up Yahilwa said he was pleased with her effort and the way she came out of the race. But no, the Pacific Classic is not in her future.