BLIND LUCK TRIES THE BOYS IN PACIFIC CLASSIC
Champion filly Blind Luck will hope to keep her impeccable form intact when challenging the boys in the $1 million Pacific Classic S. (G1) at Del Mar on Sunday. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the classy daughter of Pollard’s vision is coming off a trio of scintillating tallies in succession and will be the one to beat here on her march towards Horse of the Year honors.
A big field is expected behind the four-year-old, including Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Game on Dude, second last time in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1). Trained by Bob Baffert, the late-blooming son of Awesome Again should be a forward presence as he tries to complete a sensan S. (G1) on Sunday. The fleet Bob Baffert trainee hasn’t raced since the spring, but has tore up this main oval in the mornings and has run well while fresh in the past. He’ll have to be good in debut versus elders on this occasion.
Leading sprinter out west, Smiling Tiger, was third in this last campaign and comes off a solid second in the Bing Crosby S. (G1) on this oval. The Jeff Bonde pupil is very versatile and will surely have a say in the outcome on this day. The late-running Preamble has won four in a row, including a good allowance score on this oval last time, and could be a late presence for Richard Mandella. Big Crosby star Euroears, last year’s runner-up Crown of Thorns and Triple Bend (G1) second Camp Victory are also probable for this fine sprint.
The $200,000 Del Mar H. (G2) is also on Sunday, with the classy Bourbon Bay, Grade 1 winner Champ Pegasus and Sunset H. (G3) victor Imponente Purse among the top draws.
The Saturday feature is the $200,000 Del Mar Mile S. (G2), with Grade 2 placed Red Sun, California Dreamin H. winner Norvsky, multiple Grade 2 winner Liberian Freighter and Wickerr H. upsetter are among the top names being mentioned for this grassy test.