Pacific Classic Day Results

By CandiceCurtis
Updated: August 23, 2016

Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire

G1 Del Mar Oaks

Our top board hitter pick #7 Harmonize once again validated the fact that in these Graded Stakes turf races, the fillies/mares running out East are a step above the Southern California competition. In fact, though California-based, #2 Decked Out shipped to Belmont Park to compete in the same race as #7 Harmonize which was the G1 Belmont Oaks Invitational. That race has become a key race as the third place finisher, Coolmore, ran a good one last weekend in the Arlington Million so the winner Belmont Oaks, Catch a Glimpse is flattered even more. Here’s what the Super Screener had to say about #7 Harmonize and #2 Decked Out:

“East Coast turf stakes fillies are much better than their West Coast counter parts. Mott shipper (Harmonize) is well intended and regular jock tags along. Drop in distance, easier competition and second blinkers make this one a big contender.”

“(Decked Out) Finished behind Harmonize in the Belmont Oaks. Cut back from 1 1/4 a positive. Desormeaux opts for this one over #3 Mokat. Will need some pace help for sure. Appears to be a board hitter candidate and mid pack for sure.”

While the Super Screener trainer angle didn’t work out on #4 Mines and Magic, it was worth taking a shot at odds 35-1…it was #11 Tin Type Gal that truly disappointed. She did move forward in her form cycle and finished just 2 ¼ lengths off the winner, but she lacked her typical strong late kick. We’ll be tabbing this one going forward as she will continue to improve into the Fall.

G2 Del Mar Handicap

Our #1 top pick did not disappoint but, oh, it was so close at the wire. In a race in which we anticipated no pace, Gary Stevens did as well and decided to really open up on the field early with #8 Ashleyluvssugar though maybe too much in the end. Hats off to Metaboss who probably ran the best race here closing from nearly last to miss the win by just a nose.

The Super Screener correctly sniffed out the top bomber picks with #12 Texas Ryano finishing third at an eye-popping 42-1! In addition to our other top bomber long shot pick #3 Wanstead Gardens missed fourth place by a nose at 25-1.

“TOP LONG SHOT (Texas Ryano) Draws a poor post and was a no show in the Eddie Read. He will also appreciate the longer going and that last work and form cycle analysis indicates he is coming up to a big effort. USE HEAVY “UNDER”.

TOP LONG SHOT (Wanstead Gardens) A “horse for course” hitting the Exacta on this turf 4 of 6 tries and producing his best outcomes. Moves up big 2nd off that very long layoff. Also returns to a preferred distance. Super value!

G1 Pacific Classic

I hope we can all appreciate what we are witnessing with California Chrome who has turned out to be among the greatest of recent times. While debate raged on as to which of the “big 3” would win this race, the Super Screener was heavily convicted in making #1 California Chrome the definitive top win choice.

California Chrome is coming into this race loaded for bear. All indications are that he will move forward in a big way 2nd off that 4-month layoff. Will sit right off Dortmund throughout and will power through for the win.

He didn’t even need to worry about #8 Dortmund as that one inexplicably was taken back by Bejarano with Stevens deploying the same tactic with #7 Beholder leaving California Chrome all alone on an easy lead. In the end, it was a merry-go-round race with no change in order from start to finish among the top three runners. Espinoza drew away at will with #1 California Chrome sitting chilly throughout. Really impressive and sets up for the Breeders’ Cup Classic showdown between California Chrome and Frosted.

#2 Hoppertunity once again did not get that swift, contested pace that he needs for his best. In the Baffert barn, this one is clearly moving up to the #1 Seed in the Handicap division. If a swift and pressured pace can materialize in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this one will be heavily tabbed as an upset candidate.

Our top bomber pick #9 Dalmore bested the rest of the 20-1+ long shots to finish 5th.

Just a quick mention on Songbird and her huge win at Saratoga in the G1 Alabama. She set blazing fractions dueling with a top of the class filly in Go Maggie Go, but left that one in the dust and the rest of the field drawing away easily for the win. She has nothing left to prove in her division and the Breeders’ Cup Distaff is setting up to be one of the most interesting editions in years.

Coming up next weekend, Saratoga once again takes the spotlight featuring one of the best days of racing on the US racing calendar. Count ‘em, 6 Grade 1 races on a single card all considered key preps to the Breeders’ Cup. We’ll find the best of that bunch that will offer value at the windows.