Handicapper's Corner: Pacific Classic (G1)

Eight Vie for in Pacific Classic for Breeders' Cup Spot

By: Michael Mills, ThoroFan Member

The PCC, a Win and You’re in The Breeders’ Cup Classic Race, drew only a field of eight.

#1 The Lieutenant ML 6/1

First Grade 1 start.  An improving five-year-old who just ran a big one running second behind Diversify in last.  Has win over the track.  Closer in a race loaded with speed, could pick up some pieces in the end.

#2 Dr. Dorr ML 6/1

Looks to come off the bench as Mubtaahij’s replacement in this race after the silver haired one decided not to enter Mubtaahij.  Ran well for second behind Accelerate in the Gold Cup three races back.  Couldn’t keep up with Diversify in the Suburban at Belmont two back finishing a distance ninth.  Ran well at Del Mar last month in the San Diego finishing second.

#3 Prime Attraction ML 8/1

Bring with him extensive Graded Stakes experience, however with mixed results, and his best efforts having been while on the turf.  Should be forwardly placed.

#4 Roman Rosso ML 5/1

Joins Baffert’s barn after winning three in a row and five of his last six races in South America.  Of note he’s made over $500,000 in just 8 lifetime starts all in South America.  May be over bet.

#5 Accelerate ML 8/5

Last year’s third place finisher in this event behind Collected and Arrogate comes in to the race with three wins and a place so far in his five-year-old campaign.  His last was an easy victory in the Grade 1 Gold Cup back in May at Santa Anita over several he’ll face in here.

#6 Beach View ML 15/1

Looks to be the now horse in here following his smashing victory at 1 ½ mile in his last in Del Mar’s Grade 3 Cougar II Handicap the end of July.  Connections had other options with this fellow but will take a shot at the much richer purse in the PCC.

#7 Pavel ML 7/2

Ran forth in the Gold Cup two back.  Comes in off a Grade 1 win in the Stephen Foster at Churchill the middle of June.  Hasn’t been able to match strides again Accelerate in two attempts.

#8 Two Thirty Five ML 20/1

Four-year-old attempts his second Graded lifetime start, his first being last month in the Grade 2 San Diego at Del Mar.  Brings more pace to the race.

The Pick

Hard to see #5 Accelerate getting beat in this spot as he is just better than the rest.

5-7-1-4

The Play

$50 Win #5

$5 Pick 3 starting in the 8^th Race, 6-7/8-10/5 $20

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