Acclamation captures Clement L. Hirsch Turf

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Pacific Classic winner Acclamation made a successful return to the grass with a win in Sunday's $150,000 Clement L. Hirsch Turf Stakes. It was his fifth straight win and fourth consecutive on turf.

Trained by Don Warren, Acclamation went off as the 2-5 favorite in the seven- horse field and did not disappoint. With Patrick Valenzuela again in the saddle, the five-year-old covered the 1 1/4-miles in 1:59.45 on a firm Santa Anita turf course.

Acclamation has now won his last three starts at 1 1/4-miles, including his last two overall. Owned by Bud Johnston, the veteran runner is eligible to start in either the Breeders' Cup Classic or Turf next month at Churchill Downs.

"They're both up in the air. It could be the Turf or the Classic," Warren said about next month's Breeders' Cup races. "Weather's going to play a part in it, because we like the firm turf. We think we would have a big shot on firm turf. We don't think the Europeans are all that great, unless it's soft. Then they have a big advantage when it's yielding or soft. I would prefer the Breeders' Turf. If it rains, then we might go Classic. We could go either way depending on the weather."

In the Hirsch, the favorite stalked pacesetter Make Music for Me before taking the lead coming into the stretch. Acclamation dug in down the stretch and was able to hold off a driving Champ Pegasus for a three-quarter length win.

Imponente Purse finished third followed by Ashtar, Dynamic Host, Make Music for Me and Buenos Dias.

Acclamation adds $90,000 to his bankroll which now stands at more than $2.4 million. The five-year-old has won nine of 28 career starts, including five of seven in 2011.

Acclamation returned $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10. Champ Pegasus paid $2.80 and $2.10, and Imponente Purse paid $2.20 to show.