2023 Pacific Classic Stakes Race Preview, Odds and Predictions

The Pacific Classic Stakes

The annual race is for three-year-olds and older over a distance of one and one quarter miles on the dirt track. It was first held on August 10, 1991, and immediately became the premier event at Del Mar. Best Pal emerged as the winner of the inaugural race, completing it in a time of 1:59 4⁄5. Best Pal, the 1990 California Horse of the Year, would run two more times in the Pacific Classic and finished third in 1993 and second in 1994. The event was classified as Grade I in the third edition in 1993 and it stayed the same in the next stakes races.

Among the notable races was in 1996, when 39-1 Dare And Go upset race favorite Cigar, who was attempting to surpass Citation’s record of 16 straight wins. Another memorable staging of the stakes race was in 2003 when Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone become the first female rider to win the event. She rode Argentine-bred Candy Ride to victory in a track record time of 1:59.11. Unfortunately, it would be Candy Ride’s last race as injury forced him to retire prematurely. In 2007, Del Mar officials switched the racing surface to synthetic Polytrack and longshot Student Council, under the guidance of jockey Richard Migliore, emerged victorious. The following year, the Pacific Classic was included in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge calendar where the winner would secure an automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Pacific Classic Stakes: Memorable Moments and Speed Records from Past Editions

In 2015, Beholder won by 8 1/4 lengths to become the first filly or mare to win the event. She outclassed nine other horses, including 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern. Her time of 1:59.77 became the third-fastest winning time in race history. A year later, California Chrome topped the event to become the first Kentucky Derby winner to win the Pacific Classic. Then in 2018, Accelerate won the event by a whopping 12 1/2 lengths. Last year, Flightline, under jockey Flavian Prat, took home the title with the second-fastest time in the race’s history at 1:59.28.

Betting on Horseracing at the 2023 Pacific Classic Stakes

The race features a list of ten horses listed as “Probable” and “Possible” entries. Leading the list of entries is 2023 Haskell Stakes winner Geaux Rocket Ride. The son of former Pacific Classic Stakes winner and record holder Candy Ride out of Beyond Grace, Geaux Rocket Ride has won three of his first four starts and is on a two-race winning streak as he also won the Affirmed Stakes in June. Another prominent entry in this race is Arabian Knight, who placed third in Haskell.

Before the third-place finish, Arabian Knight won two straight starts, including the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes. San Diego Handicap winner Senor Buscador hopes to duplicate his recent success by taking part in the Pacific Classic Stakes. Veterans Stilleto Boy, Tripoli, Slow Down Andy, Defunded, Piroli, Skinner and Order and Law are set to cause a stir in the race as they are listed to compete as well.

The 2023 Pacific Classic Stakes entries

Probables

Stilleto Boy

Geaux Rocket Ride

Tripoli

Arabian Knight

Slow Down Andy

Defunded

Senor Buscador

Piroli

Possibles

Skinner

Order and Law

Pick

Anticipate a head-to-head battle in the race between Geaux Rocket Ride and Arabian Knight, reminiscent of the 2023 Haskell Stakes ambiance. Both horses are anticipated to engage in a showdown once more in the 1 1/4-mile race, given their excellent conditioning and readiness to compete for the US$1-million classic. However, the event has provided some surprise endings in the past so it is not a remote possibility that a longshot could win the 2023 edition of the prestigious race. The Pacific Classic Stakes is one of the ultimate tests for horses if they are capable of competing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the world-class site that feature the latest sports picks and parlays will provide the best choices for fans who love to watch live horseracing action and bet at the same time.