PRIVATE ACCESS

Sent off as the 4-1 third choice in the second Hambletonian elimination, Private Access worked out a pocket trip and trotted a 26.3 final quarter to finish just a neck behind winner T C I. He was timed in 1:50.4.

As a 2-year-old, Private Access’s two victories came in an overnight race at Woodbine Mohawk Park and his Breeders Crown elimination at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. He was fourth in the Breeders Crown final. So far in 2024, Private Access was second in his elimination and the final of the Goodtimes Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park and won the Dr. Harry M. Zweig consolation event in a lifetime-best 1:52.1 at Vernon Downs.

trainer Luc Blais: I was very happy with him. But I think he showed that at Vernon too (winning the consolation division of the Zweig Memorial in 1:52.1 on July 4). He raced super good at Vernon. I think he is getting there now. Last year, he did the same thing. The more he raced, the better he was. He raced good at the end of the season last year, and this year, I think he is getting better and better.

I think (off the elimination race) he is going to step up; the same thing with the filly (Drawn Impression in the Hambletonian Oaks). That’s what I hope.

I think he can go with them right now. It’s a race. You need luck, a good draw.

He’s a nice horse. He’s very laidback and does everything right. He’s not tough on himself, he does what he’s supposed to. Last year, he was a little bit immature and made some breaks. Now, he is more mature. He can still be goofy a little bit, but I think that’s good. He’s not nervous. He travels and nothing bothers him. He feels good everywhere he goes.