Stately Victor headed to Del Mar

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Hoping to reestablished himself as a top thoroughbred, former Blue Grass Stakes winner Stately Victor has been confirmed for the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on August 28.

"We'd been thinking about it (Pacific Classic) for awhile and it was a mutual decision with the owners, made on June 27, to go ahead," said trainer Mike Maker. "His last race was a good effort, but unfortunately he had to give a bit of weight."

The four-year-old will arrive at Del Mar one week before the Classic and the race gives Maker his first opportunity to visit the historic track. Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith will have the mount in the 1 1/4-mile race.

Stately Victor, owned by Tom and Jack Conway, won the 2010 Blue Grass and finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby. This year the colt is still looking for a win. He is winless in four starts, but is coming off a third-place finish in the Dominion Day Stakes at Woodbine on July 11.

The colt has three wins in 19 career starts for $677,226.

Also confirmed for the Pacific Classic are Caracortado, Game On Dude and Twirling Candy. Other possible entrants include four-year-old champion filly Blind Luck and San Diego Handicap winner Tres Borrachos.

Game On Dude, trained by Bob Baffert, had a workout Thursday morning at Del Mar. The four-year-old went six-furlongs in 1:12 4/5 with jockey Martin Garcia.

"He worked really well, he likes this track," Baffert said. "I worked him earlier (because) the track's faster earlier. He's probably doing better than he ever has. Fingers crossed to keep him healthy."