Pacific Classic

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A wide-open field of 12 will contest the $1 million Pacific Classic S. (G1)
at Del Mar on Sunday, and after going through each of the contestants, we feel
that we could settle on any one of eight in here. We’re going to give the Shug
McGaughey-trained PARADING (Pulpit) another chance following his dull effort in
the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1). The six-year-old has really put it together over
the past two campaigns, taking the Dixie S. (G2), and possibly more important,
the Ben Ali S. (G3) by 7 1/2 lengths over Keeneland’s Polytrack. The
Kentucky-bred is adept at running near or well off the early tempo, and if he
gets a nice spot tucked in behind the speed early, he should be tough under
Rafael Bejarano.

We like SONG OF NAVARONE (Sultry Song) in this spot and give him a top-three
chance at a square price for conditioner Caesar Dominguez. The bay five-year-old
has put in a handful of strong performances this season, and he had a perfect
prep for this when a closing third in the San Diego H. (G2) in his latest run. A
trio of solid five-eighths drills should have the Kentucky-bred ready.

The brilliant EINSTEIN (Brz) (Spend a Buck) is a two-time Grade 1 winner in
2009, including a measured tally in the Santa Anita H. (G1) earlier in the
season. The classy seven-year-old didn’t run his race in the Arlington Million
(G1) last out, similar to a year ago, but he’s been a model of high-quality
consistency otherwise for Helen Pitts-Blasi. Julien Leparoux will ship in to
guide the Brazilian, who could easily take this with his best showing.

We’ve always liked Grade 1 victor GLOBAL HUNTER (Arg) (Jade Hunter) and will
use the six-year-old in our spread wagers. Third in the Bing Crosby H. (G1) in
an obvious prep for this, the six-year-old bay might be a cut below the best in
here, but he’s in very good form for conditioner A C Avila and may be capable of
challenge with his best. Corey Nakatani has the call.

MISREMEMBERED (Candy Ride [Arg]) is the lone sophomore in the field and is a
win contender in our eyes. The chestnut was very impressive from a visual
standpoint last out, as he was push-button throughout for jockey Victor
Espinoza, and he seemingly had a lot left late. This oval is much different than
that of Hollywood, which is a concern, but if he takes to this strip, he has a
definite chance while toting 118 pounds.

Multiple Grade 1 hero COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow) was last seen dominating the
Wickerr H. in his turf debut for Eoin Harty, and the well rested colt seems
poised to be a big factor in this test. The four-year-old loves synthetic ovals
and can run all day, and the expected honest pace should only help set him up
for a late rush beneath Garrett Gomez. The bay will be formidable with his best
performance, but we’re not excited about backing him at short odds in his second
start back off such a huge effort that followed a lengthy layoff. AWESOME GEM
(Awesome Again) hasn’t finished more than 1 1/2 lengths back in his six starts
in 2009 and should be coming on late with his typical performance. The Grade
1-placed Craig Dollase charge was a good second in both the Eddie Read H. (G1)
and Longacres Mile (G3) in his last pair, and while neither of those took place
on a synthetic strip, he’s proven that he can handle just about anything. Alex
Solis will break from the 12 post aboard the gelding.

Hollywood Gold Cup star RAIL TRIP (Jump Start) answered the question about
his stamina last out for Ron Ellis and should be among the favorites in this
test. First or second in all eight starts, with six wins, the gelded
four-year-old might get some company up front and he’s facing his toughest field
to date, so we might not back the Kentucky-bred if the price is short. The bay
is still an obvious win candidate beneath Jose Valdivia Jr.  RICHARD’S KID
(Lemon Drop Kid) surely loves a route of ground and seems to enjoy synthetic
racing, so we won’t discount the Bob Baffert trainee for a minor award. The
one-run closer has yet to prove he belongs with this type and needs everything
to fall exactly into place for him to hit the board in here, but we respect
Baffert and acknowledge that funny things often happen on this oval.

San Diego H. (G2) winner INFORMED (Tiznow) is a solid synthetic performer who
has never been worse than second in four tries over this surface for Doug O’
Neill. The five-year-old is in good form, but he’s a question mark at this
distance and against this quality, and we’re not thrilled about his rail draw.
We’ll stand against the former claimer. TRES BORRACHOS (Ecton Park) was a fine
second in the Hollywood Gold Cup and will make his Del Mar debut in here for
Beau Greely. The Kentucky-bred is far from consistent and is sure to receive
heat on or near the front, so we’ll let him beat us. Grade 1 victor MAST TRACK
(Mizzen Mast) hasn’t won since his signature victory last June, and we will not
side with him against a field of this quality.