The filly takes on the boys this year when Beholder jumps into the Pacific Classic at Old Delmar. Hoppertunity, Catch a Flight and Gold Cup winner Hard Aces make this a Grade 1 classic distance race.
Pacific Classic Field
Class Leader invades from the midwest, does his best running late in the race. Goes up in class but should do some running late. A longshot for the win.
Bailoutbobby is zero for 8 on the year and 2 for his last 12. Overmatched in this spot at 10 furlongs.
Bayern has been an enigma inside a mystery this year. His speed is gone, he has had gate issues and distance doesn’t seem to be his friend. Will face other pace pressure from Beholder. Still expect a good race, the last furlong may be tough for him.
Hard Aces won the Gold Cup and has been training forwardly since then. Was the beneficiary of a strong pace in the Gold Cup and had the rail down the lane. Should run well and top 3 finish is likely, but prefer others for the win.
Red Vine takes a significant step up in class and faces other speed. Is a toss for me on the win/place and show end and just think he doesn’t fit in this spot.
Imperative is a 5-year-old who runs best when freshened and should make some noise late in this spot. New trainer and has been training forwardly for a month for this race. Chance to crack top five.
Catch a Flight has been consistent since arriving in America. With 3 wins in 4 races and 10 for 17 lifetime he is a win machine. Last race got a perfect ride from Gary Stevens. New jock this time but should come from just off the pace.
Hoppertunity is a true 10 furlong horse and was motoring late in the San Diego Handicap. Gets a new jockey and pace to run at. Class, speed, training well and should love the 10 furlongs. Fits all the check boxes. Expect him to run a huge race and run to the window at 4/1 or higher.
Beholder is a classy filly and one of the top 10 fillies of the last 10 years. Going ten furlongs against the boys will be tough, but if Bayern is not ready, Beholder may inherit the lead coming into the stretch. Lots to like, but ultimately she won’t be on my tickets. Fits in this spot and like them running in this spot. She has not been tested against fillies and needs a strong test.
Midnight Storm draws outside and does not have “Dirt” speed, his turf speed is different field sizes and pace scenarios than his dirt form. Hard to imagine him getting 10 furlongs. Extreme Longshot.
The Choice:
Hoppertunity is the Play, strong form, gets pace to run at and should love the ten furlongs. All systems are go and a strong race puts him in the classic field. Catch a Flight gets a good trip and has done little wrong is the 2nd choice.