CLASSIC THOUGHTS, PACIFIC STYLE
With the 25th running of the Pacific Classic just a few days away and the post positions now assigned, let’s take a quick look at the field. Listed below is the post position, jockey, morning line, and a thought on each.
1 Class Leader, Mike Smith (15-1) – Comes from east of the Mississippi and has not won since May 17, 2014 (Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico). Big step up for him.
2 Bailoutbobby, James Graham (20-1)- West coast warrior that has started 7 times this year and ran second in Cougar II last out. Probably will stay in the hoosegow here.
3 Bayern, Rafael Bejarano (6-1)-Huge 3-year old campaign has been followed by disappointing runs at 4. He has worked well of late and with Bejarano in the irons could be dangerous if he gets loose on the lead.
4 Hard Aces, Victor Espinoza (5-1)- The early pace should be there to give the Gold Cup winner a shot at the end. Has the jock and the fight to be a factor.
5 Red Vine, Joel Rosario (6-1)-A ship and win candidate from the East. His pappy won the Pacific Classic (Candy Ride 2003), but not sure if he has improved enough to be in here.
6 Imperitive, Corey Nakatani (12-1) – Three starts this year for this veteran have yielded one 2nd (Charlestown Classic), a 6th and an 8th place finish. Has been around the block a time or two, but not a likely choice here.
7 Catch a Flight, Flavian Pratt (9-2) – Argentinian-bred San Diego Cap winner has an impressive stretch kick. Has a hot, young rider and the goods to get it done for sure.
8 Hoppertunity, Martin Garcia (5-1)- Might just get the hotter pace he needs to run at. Battle tested against good company and will be running at the end.
9 Beholder, Gary Stevens (5-2)-Distance is the only question mark cause she has class o’plenty. If she gets the trip, Beholder makes history here.
10 Midnight Storm, Tyler Baze (20-1)-Half brother of American Pharoah has won on turf and dirt but is stepping up here. Has a front running style that might make things interesting.
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