On Saturday, California Chrome (#1) will run in the $1-million TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar, and he’ll be facing a deep field that might be the toughest to line up against him since the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Beholder easily won the 2015 Pacific Classic.
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My pick is Beholder to upset in the Pacific Classic. Instead of taking up residence in a breeding shed when bone bruising cut his 2015 season short, 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome has returned stronger than ever at age 5 and now has the title of Dubai World Cup victor and North America’s richest ever racehorse on his resume. “I was hoping that she’d have that huge kick again like she did previous year, but not this time”. A year ago when she won the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar by seven lengths and was on top of her game, it was an easy decision to run against the boys.
“There was no speed in the last one”, Beholder’s exercise rider Janeen Painter said. Her nemesis Stellar Wind is no slouch.
The fact is Beholder ran a winning race in defeat in the Hirsch.
“It’s good to be outside, away from the action inside early”, Mandella said.
“Our intention is to get her back (off the pace) and go back to our game that works”, Mandella said.
Key contender: A runner-up in the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks this April, Mokat returned to the turf last time out to score a 3 ¾-length win in the Grade II San Clement Handicap at Del Mar on July 23.
“At Del Mar, which is by the sea, not many horses win in the one hole”. I looked for a week to find a reason not to run in this race because it is a hell of an undertaking, and I couldn’t find any. “She had a great work, came out of it great, and you only live once”.
Horse of the Year in 2014 after winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the 5-year-old chestnut extended his winning streak to five races, including a hard-fought win over Dortmund in the San Diego Handicap on July 23.
“The No. 1 post is never good at any track, but being a former jockey I know that if he (Espinoza) rides the right race the No. 1 post isn’t going to be a problem”. Does he gun him out of the gates, go to the front and hope he can then gear him down in the lead? From many perspectives, she is more accomplished than California Chrome, making their showdown in the Pacific Classic one of the most exciting and intriguing races in a long time. Sherman said. “He is just the best horse in the country”. “Bring the people out”.
The rest of the Pacific Classic field, with their best representative Equibase Speed Figures, is Dortmund (119), Hard Aces (115), Hoppertunity (114), Imperative (114), War Story (102) and Win the Space (112).
Espinoza was asked who he would choose, 2015 Triple Crown victor American Pharoah or Chrome the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness champ who he both rode. That much was decided Tuesday evening when North America’s all-time money leader was selected in a random draw to wear that number and break from that less-than-desirable post position.
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“It’s going to be one for the ages”, he said. Having won her nine career starts by a combined 47 ¾ lengths, Songbird has yet to face a challenge beyond her scope though she will be trying the 10-furlong distance for the first time Saturday. Back in March, he finished a solid third behind California Chrome in the Dubai World Cup and after a layoff, he was beaten just 2-¼ lengths when fourth in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita on June 25.
