Run over 1 ¼ miles on dirt, Saturday’s $1 million TVG Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is a Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Mark Casse thought seriously enough about scratching World Approval from the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap due to late-afternoon rain that he called Braulio Baeza, a New York Racing Association steward, two hours in advance of the race.
In racing, like most everything in life, people like clearly defined lines. For handicappers reading the past performances or their preferred speed figures, they want those lines sharp enough where they can see a race unfold before their eyes. Who is going to set the pace? Who is going to lay off the pace? Who is going to come with a late run? And, most important, who is going to win...and finish second...and finish third?
The budding rivalry between two of the grittiest female racehorses in the country saw a repeat performance July 30 in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar.
