Pacific Classic Offers $1M Purse
The Pacific Classic at Del Mar attracts a field of 11 horses, including Japanese import Finger, with a $1 million purse and a Breeders' Cup berth on the line
The Pacific Classic at Del Mar is set to take place on August 22, with an expected post time of 6:30pm Pacific time. The race offers a $1 million purse and a 'Win and You're In' berth for the Breeders' Cup Classic, which has a $7 million purse.
The field of 11 horses includes Finger, a Japan-based Gun Runner colt, who has won four of his last five starts on Japanese dirt, including the Tokyo Derby. Other notable runners include Forged Steel, a US-based runner who won the Grade II Gold Cup at Santa Anita in May by 9 1/2 lengths, and Om N Joy, a four-year-old filly who just missed in the Grade I Clement Hirsch in her last start.
Forged Steel is back after finishing fifth in the Grade II Suburban in a trip to Saratoga, while Om N Joy is taking on the boys for the first time in the Pacific Classic. The race has a long history of being a pathway to the Breeders' Cup Classic, with past winners including Candy Ride, Lava Man, Beholder, California Chrome, and Flightline.
## What's at Stake The Pacific Classic is a crucial prep race for the Breeders' Cup Classic, with the winner earning a fees-paid berth into the $7 million race. The Pacific Classic has evolved into the crown jewel of California races, offering a higher purse than any other regularly scheduled event in the Golden State.
The race is carded as race 10 on August 22, with a solid field of runners from all over the United States and Japan. The winner will join the likes of past Pacific Classic champions and earn a spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
## Why it Matters The Pacific Classic is an important race for horse racing fans, with a rich history and a significant purse on the line. The 'Win and You're In' format adds an extra layer of excitement, as the winner will earn a spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic. The race is also a key indicator of which horses are likely to perform well in the Breeders' Cup Classic, making it a must-watch for fans of the sport.
The Pacific Classic has a long history of attracting top talent, and this year's field is no exception. With a mix of experienced runners and up-and-coming horses, the race is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive event.
