By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 1 Pacific Classic will be run at Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 31. Nominations close on Aug. 22 and the race will be drawn on Aug. 27. Keep checking the Digest website for updated Pacific Classic news.
Ten horses listed are as possible as of Aug. 18, and a shipper or two could also enter the mix in the coming days. Since I last checked in, two possible starters dropped out and four others have been added to the list. Todd Pletcher recently told DRF that he did not plan on having a starter in the Pacific Classic. Seven-time Pacific Classic-winning trainer Bob Baffert has three possible runners.
Pacific Classic Hopefuls (as of 8-18-24):
Dr. Venkman – Won the San Diego Handicap (G2) by a length on July 27. He worked 6f in 1:12.40 (2/12) on Aug. 17.
Express Train – Rallied to pick up the show in the San Diego. He worked 6f in 1:13.00 (3/8) on Aug. 16.
Full Serrano – South American transplant won his first start in this country on Aug. 3. That was a flat mile optional-claiming race, and he dueled from the inside post and scored by 2 1/4 lengths. He traveled 5f in 59.80 (7/92) on Aug. 18.
