Easily the biggest race so far in 2016, the Grade 1 Pacific Classic August 20 at Del Mar features champions California Chrome and Beholder along with multiple grade 1 winner Dortmund in a thrilling matchup of older horses.
California Chrome (8/5) draws the rail after battling and defeating Dortmund (5/2) last out in the San Diego Handicap. Chrome, the 2014 Kentucky Derby Champion and 2016 Dubai World Cup victor is widely regarded the best horse in training, but could face a sharper test from Dortmund who battled admirably despite not having raced for over eight months. It's also foolish to sleep on Beholder (3/1), who beat males by ten lengths while winning last year's Pacific Classic.
With six other runners also set to contest the Pacific Classic including graded stakes winners Hoppertunity (8/1) and Hard Aces (15/1), the 2016 Pacific Classic will be a race defined by trips and pace with little margin for error. Dortumund figures to show the way early with California Chrome close in tow and Beholder ready to pounce around the turn. If the pace heats up, Hoppertunity could be an excellent trifecta spoiler at a price.
OTB CA Picks
1) California Chrome
2) Beholder
3) Hoppertunity
4) Dortmund
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