The Grade 1 Pacific Classic

The biggest race of the Del Mar season comes to us on Sunday with the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Pacific Classic. Those of you who follow this blog know that I was very much behind Rail Trip when he won the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup. While he certainly could be a big factor on Sunday, I think there might be too much speed involved in the Pacific Classic for him to hold up all the way this time. The pace could be too much for him to lead from gate to wire. Therefore, I will go with #8 Global Hunter to spring a mild surprise over the Del Mar Polytrack. He was a winner in the Grade 1 Eddie Read over the Del Mar turf. He did get beat in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby and while I seriously question the decision to run him at six furlongs, he still made the best of a bad situation to run 3rd. I'll put the morning-line favorite at 5-2, #6 Colonel John, in second. He won an ungraded stakes race at Del Mar on the green stuff under the ride of Garrett Gomez. This is his 2nd start off the latest layoff (an angle I do like) and he sports a strong workout on September 1. The recently purchased #10 Einstein comes next. He has not won since the Grade 1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, but as I have mentioned earlier, the ride he got in the Foster was abysmal and no one was going to beat Gio Ponti in the Grade 1 Arlington Million. #3 Rail Trip comes next and I expect him to be part of a tough pace set-up. That likely will compromise his chances to win the Pacific Classic, but I could certainly see him holding on to be part of the underneath positions in the exotic wagers. It is interesting to note that he has not raced at all since his win in the Hollywood Gold Cup on July 11. Here is the wager for the Grade 1 Pacific Classic:

$5 WP #8 and $1 EX BOX 6-8-10 and $1 TRI BOX 6-8-10
TOTAL- $22

Please remember that They Are Off takes no responsibility for any wagers placed based on these suggestions. Enjoy what promises to be a great racing weekend with Rachel Alexandra running against older males in the Grade 1 Woodward at Saratoga and this Pacific Classic as well.

Tune in again on Monday for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!