The upcoming Saturday at Del Mar is anticipated to be a significant occasion. The Grade 1 Pacific Classic Stakes serves as the premier event each summer season at this coastal racetrack, with considerable attention focused on the 1 1/4-mile contest featuring Journalism, Fierceness, and Nysos.
However, the Pacific Classic represents merely one of 11 competitions scheduled for Saturday. Numerous opportunities exist to explore various odds, and we will emphasize a selection of them in this analysis. Let’s begin!
Race #1: #5 Artic Power (12-1 estimated odds)
Our analysis will commence early with the opening event, where it is believed Artic Power required his previous performance. He had been inactive since a December showing internationally, where he secured third place over a mile in his initial attempt. This presents a considerable challenge, and during his July race covering five furlongs, he did not demonstrate sprinter-like speed and remained uncompetitive.
It is hypothesized that he will revert to his preferred racing style in the initial race. He extends his distance to two turns in his second appearance following a break, under the guidance of trainer Phil D’Amato, and replicating his debut performance would provide him with an opportunity in this event (which, frankly, appears to be relatively manageable for the specified level). It would not be surprising if his odds decrease somewhat from the estimated line, but even at approximately 8-1, Artic Power remains a favorable selection.
Race #5: #5 Suchet (15-1)
This race constitutes the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Stakes, featuring a distinguished group of contenders. #4 Formidable Man and #7 King of Gosford have both achieved Grade 1 victories, but the focus shifts slightly towards a competitor with the potential to surpass expectations substantially.
Suchet performed admirably in his initial U.S. race most recently, gaining considerable ground and narrowly missing victory by a head. It is anticipated that this racing style will again serve him effectively, as this race appears to involve numerous participants with early speed. The greater the early pace, the more favorable his prospects become.
Suchet is preferred significantly over stablemate #8 Full Serrano, whose participation here is somewhat puzzling. In fact, it is slightly perplexing that John Sadler has entered both horses. Regardless, Suchet is expected to surge late for a portion of the prize money under Paco Lopez’s guidance, potentially securing the entire reward at substantial odds.
Race #9: #3 Coppola (10-1)
We will conclude with an examination of the prelude to the Pacific Classic. This entails the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap for turf sprinters covering five furlongs, where course position assumes critical importance. Securing an inside position early has proven advantageous at this seaside track throughout the summer, potentially benefiting Coppola.
Coppola has prevailed in three of his most recent four races at this specific five-furlong distance. Several of his races this year have spanned 5 1/2 furlongs, which appears to be slightly excessive. He aims to maintain a leading position over five-eighths of a mile, and it is anticipated that he will achieve precisely that in this instance.
Furthermore, #10 Motorious, the 5-2 estimated favorite, is considered susceptible. He has competed only once since late December, covering a slightly longer distance down the hill at Santa Anita. His post position is unfavorable, and he is expected to face challenges given the track profile and the anticipated race dynamics. Instead, Coppola is preferred at double-digit odds, and we will observe how long he can maintain the lead.
