Pacific Classic (Grade 1) Preview

Free Past Performances

Racing Dudes Picks

Win – #9 Game On Dude

Exacta – 9,7/ALL

Trifecta – 9,7/9,7/ALL

Horse to use in Vertical Wagering – 1,3,7,9

Race Shape

Speed – Rail Trip, Game On Dude, Riveting Reason

Stalkers – Where’s Sterling, Akkadian, Jaycito, Suggestive Boy

Closers – Amani, Richard’s Kid, Dullahan

Racing Dudes Projected Order of Finish

#9 Game On Dude (KY) – There is no reason for me to say much here, everyone knows what this guy is all about.  He’s my number one ranked horse, and has been awesome in his three United States starts this year.  There is no way I can pick against him, and still believe he’s the horse to beat in not only this race, but the Breeders Cup Classic as well.

#7 Jaycito (KY) – Both Zayat’s have been tweeting up a storm about this horse and how well he’s doing, and usually when they tout a horse it’s a great sign.  Jaycito has battle through numerous obstacles in his career, so honestly it’s just great to see him in a race of this caliber.  Although the win in his last race was just an Allowance, it was visually impressive as he won like a horse that was just playing around.  He’s fired some really solid works since, and I think he’ll give his stable mate a run for his money in this one.

#3 Richard’s Kid (MD) – This guy knows a thing or two about winning this race.  Richard’s Kid has won the Pacific Classic twice, and you can make a case that he’s running as well as ever leading up to this one.  He’s had a little controversy around him lately regarding his private sale, but I don’t look for that to effect him on the race track in this one.  He’s a talented horse, and he loves Del Mar.  Serious threat!

#1 Rail Trip (KY) – It was hard not to be happy for Rail Trip last time out as he finally got back in the winners circle!  Now the competition stiffens, but that last race might have been just what he needed.  At the age of seven he still has something left in the tank, and now his confidence might be back.  He’ll have to contend with Game On Dude on the front end, but I think this horse will battle until the very end.  I’m not sure if he can win the whole thing, but I definitely think he can get a piece of it.

#8 Suggestive Boy (ARG) – This horse has been a beast in Argentina, and has run very well in his two American starts as well.  He’s never ran on anything but turf, so how he handles the tricky Del Mar surface will be interesting.  If he handles it well, he’ll have a shot to win this one.  I left him just outside my top four because of that question mark, and because this his toughest U.S. challenge by far.

#2 Amani (CHI) – Very interesting entry here!  Amani was ran a decent third in the Clement L. Hirsch, which was her first try in the United States after winning ten of eleven in Chile.  I think that prep did her a world of good, but is she good enough to beat the boys in a Grade 1 race?  Judging by my picks you can that I don’t think so, but I think she’s a logical longshot without question.  Gomez riding is a big plus as well.  Watch her price closely.  If she floats up to the double-digit range, you might want to think about betting.

#5 Dullahan (KY) – Well he’s finally back on the surface he prefers, but he’s up against it today.  The handling of this horse has been questionable to say the least.  I do like that Joel Rosario has signed on to ride, and I also like that he might get a pretty decent pace to run at.  He’s not the dumbest selection you can make, but I don’t think this three-year old is ready to compete with older horses of this caliber yet.

#6 Akkadian (KY) – He has a win over the Del Mar strip last time out to his credit, but looks to be out-classed in this tough field.  He might play a role in the pace scenario, but I can’t see him making much noise when the real running begins.

#4 Where’s Sterling (KY) – This one ships in from Florida off two nice ungraded stakes victories, but he’s jumping into the deep end of the pool here.  His efforts against graded company haven’t been horrible, but I still consider him a long shot to hit the board.

#10 Riveting Reason (KY) – Just don’t think this one belongs in here.  Looks totally over-matched and has done nothing to speak of this year in three races.  Easy toss out.