Expert Selections for the 2023 Pacific Classic at Del Mar Race Track

This Saturday, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts the Grade 1 Pacific Classic, an eagerly-awaited race featuring thoroughbreds aged three and older. With a grand prize purse of $1 million, this pivotal stakes race also serves as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series qualifier for the upcoming BC Classic at Santa Anita Park in November.

Sharing the spotlight on Saturday’s card are four other notable graded stakes races, including the Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes for three-year-old fillies, and the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on turf. Flying Connection and Gold Phoenix emerge as favorites for these undercard races.

In the Pacific Classic, a dirt contest over 1 ¼ miles, we highlight Geaux Rocket Ride, Arabian Knight, and Senor Buscador as the top contenders for Win, Place, and Show, respectively.

Pacific Classic – Del Mar Race Track, Saturday, Sept. 2

Win: Geaux Rocket Ride

This three-year-old colt, sired by Candy Ride, recently claimed victory at the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. Under the guidance of trainer Richard Mandella, he’s shown impressive consistency this year. A 104 HRN Speed Figure in the Haskell Stakes backs up his capabilities, and his competitive runs at Santa Anita Park suggest he is well-suited for the West Coast.

Place: Arabian Knight

Arabian Knight’s race record includes performances at Keeneland Race Course and Oaklawn Park. Trained by the renowned Bob Baffert for Zedan Racing Stables, Inc., this son of Uncle Mo most recently claimed a win in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes and a third-place finish in the Haskell Stakes. His limited experience belies his strong performances, making him a contender to watch at the Pacific Classic.

Show: Senor Buscador

With a recent first-place win in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, Senor Buscador enjoys a home-track advantage. A product of Mineshaft and trained by Todd Fincher, this five-year-old brings a wealth of experience, including wins at diverse tracks like Remington Park and Churchill Downs. His HRN Speed Figure of 105 and 5.89 rating make him a strong choice for a top-three finish.

Bet this race at Bovada and see how these selections play out in the adrenaline-pumping Pacific Classic at Del Mar Race Track.