by Eddie Olczyk
August 15, 2019
The Pacific Classic is scheduled as Del Mar's Race 10 at 9:30PM ET.
Analysis: Over the past few years, Pacific Classic results have been extremely logical. From 2013 to 2018, favorites won 5-of-6 editions and the average Win payout was a little more than $5. This year, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. This is a race with plenty of unknowns and a field of 10 entrants looking to elevate themselves into the upper echelon of the Classic Division. There’s so much parity in here that I think they could run this race 10 times and get 12 winners! So with that in mind, I’m going to focus my bets around a ‘type’ of horse rather than a specific standout. I’m looking for a horse that (1) has strong tactical speed, (2) likes Del Mar and (3) offers value.
Main Contenders: WAR STORY is a horse that checks all three of the boxes I’m looking for. He’s 8/1 on the ML and he doesn’t figure to attract a ton of money. He has plenty of tactical speed and his rail draw should ensure a perfect trip. I think he needs to sit 3rd or 4th in here to have a shot, so that’s what I’m hoping to see. If he’s on the lead, turn the page. Let someone else carry the burden of setting the pace. Plus, don’t let WAR STORY’s 0-for-2 record at Del Mar fool you. He ran the best race of his live over this track in November 2017 when he finished 4th in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, beaten a short margin by horses like Gun Runner, Collected and West Coast. SEEKING THE SOUL is the horse they’ll all have to hold off late. He always fires and you’ve got to respect a horse that has finished in the Trifecta in 20-of-27 career starts. PAVEL is another that always seems to make a late run and I expect he’ll do that again today. CAMPAIGN is a perfect 1-for-1 at Del Mar but he'll probably be closing from too far behind the pace to win. He's a threat to finish in the Trifecta, though.
$100 Betting Strategy
My Top 4 Picks