From Santa Anita Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2014)–Although he broke tardily from the rail, favored Acceptance was quickly into contention under Elvis Trujillo and fought off all challenges to win Saturday’s $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for Golden State Series eligible by 1 ¼ lengths while covering seven furlongs in 1:21.70.
Trained by Donald Warren and owned by Judy Johnston, Bud Johnston and Robert Riggio, the 2-year-old California-bred colt by Vronsky was bred by the Johnston family’s Old English Rancho. A 13 ¼ length first-out maiden winner on Oct. 5, Acceptance faced winners for the first time in the Golden State Juvenile which attracted a field of seven juveniles that were Golden State eligible.
“He was very impressive from the day we picked him, and right from the day we started breaking him,” said Johnston. “We named him Acceptance, and the ACC is no accident, because it’s like (Eclipse Award winner) Acclamation.
“I was very concerned about the inside post and like usual, he did not break very well, and I told Elvis if he didn’t break well, don’t rush him. I guess he saw the rail was open and he was concerned it would close on him so he just had to play it as the race unfolded.”
Heavily favored at 3-5, Acceptance paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10. Undefeated in two starts, Acceptance picked up $120,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $143,600.
A four-time stakes winner, Wake Up Nick, who was ridden by Mario Gutierrez, eased off a torrid early pace battle between the winner and Peradventure, was third around the far turn and angled off the rail turning for home to finish second by 1 ½ lengths. The second choice at 5-2, Wake Up Nick paid $2.80 and $2.20. .
“We had a little bit of trouble, but that’s okay,” said Gutierrez. “I didn’t have a good, clean trip, but nothing to take away from the winner. The winner ran good.”
Last midway around the turn under Kent Desormeaux, Mischief Clem hugged the rail and finished third, 7 ¼ lengths clear of longshot Comanche Ruler. Off at 4-1, he paid $2.20.
Fractions on the race were 21.99, 44.39 and 1:08.84.
For HRTV video, click http://www.hrtv.com/videos/?VideoCategoryId=2&VideoId=kwPDCKlYCKWOBrn/pYlOXR8NdzMVqAHyLPl6++4ndSE=
For Acceptance’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/acceptance10.