The Big Three are the Expert Picks for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar

A sampling of TVG Pacific Classic selections from an eclectic group of “experts” randomly chosen based mainly on availability and willingness to participate. (In a similar poll in 2015, 10 of 23 correctly identified Beholder, who won by 8 ¼ lengths as the 2-1 favorite.

 

Steve Andersen, Daily Racing Form  – California Chrome. “He’s at the top of his game.”

 

Brad Free, Daily Racing Form – California Chrome. “With Beholder second and Dalmore picking up the pieces in third.”

 

Scott Shapiro, DMTC Seminar host – California Chrome. “Loves the distance and is the class of the field.”

 

Bob Ike, handicapper – California Chrome. “Despite the rail, he’s the best.”

 

Jeremy Balan, Blood Horse correspondent – California Chrome. “Even with the rail post he’s superior at 1 ¼ miles.”

 

Jay Posner, Sports Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune – California Chrome. “When in doubt, and I definitely have doubts, take the best horse.”

 

Jeff Nahill, Handicapper/turf writer, San Diego Union-Tribune – Dortmund. “He tired in his loss to Chrome in the San Diego, but he should be fitter this time and has been training lights out.”

 

Chris Ello, San Diego Union Tribune correspondent – Beholder. “I’d choose a sensational lady over a sensational dude every time.”

 

Larry Zap, Bloodstock agent – Beholder. “I like everything she’s doing since her last race, and if she runs the (Pacific Classic) race she did last year, she wins.”

 

Harris Auerbach, owner – Beholder. “I always root for the fillies.”

 

Doug O’Neill, trainer – California Chrome. “He’s such a warrior.”

 

John Malone, DMTC clocker – Dortmund. “He’s looked great in all his workouts since his last race.”

 

Simon Callaghan, trainer – Dortmund. “Marginally, by improvement off his last one.”

 

Dave Hofmans, trainer -- Dortmund. “I think he needed his last and I think he’s going to improve.”

 

Michael Hepworth, international turf writer – Beholder. “Ignore her last race, Mandella should have her right.”

 

Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron:  California Chrome.  “If my agent asked me who I wanted to ride I would say California Chrome. I was always inclined to choose a male over a mare. Chrome is coming off a really good race and Beholder is coming off a not-so-good race. But she’ll be tough.”

 

Trainer Matthew Chew: Beholder. “She’s going into the race perfect and we’re here in the same barn with Richard Mandella. The distance last time favored the other filly [Stellar Wind]. The mile and a quarter will be good for her. If Mandella thought she was anything but tip-top, he wouldn’t send her out.”

 

Trainer Peter Eurton: California Chrome.  “My heart’s with Beholder, but nobody beats the Chrome today. He’s too good right now.”

 

Ben Huffman, racing secretary at Churchill Downs and Keeneland: California Chrome.

 

Trainer Jesse Mendoza:  Beholder. “I like the girl. I think she can do it again.”

 

Trainer Patrick Gallagher and also CHRB member Madeline Auerbach: “Triple dead heat.”