Late Pick 5 Preview: Pacific Classic Day & Claiming Crown Preview Day Betting Preview [VIDEO]
Del Mar Starting Gate (Photo by Benoit Photography)
August 21st, 2026
As major racing cards heat up this summer, Nick Tammaro brings in two distinct expert handicappers across two separate preview broadcasts to break down complex Late Pick 5 sequences. Whether you are aiming for Grade 1 prestige on the West Coast or targeting lucrative qualifying berths on the Mid-Atlantic circuit, these episodes offer strategies to build a winning ticket.
Del Mar’s Pacific Classic Day Breakdown
Host: Nick Tammaro | Guest: David Levitch ("The Paddock Prince")
This broadcast focuses on one of the premier highlights of the Del Mar summer meet—the Pacific Classic Day. Headlined by the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1)—a official Breeders' Cup Classic "Win and You're In" challenge—and supported by the Del Mar Oaks (G1), this card offers massive wagering pools and high-caliber competition.
Tammaro and Levitch provide a race-by-race analysis across the entire sequence, highlighting key contenders and structure tactics.
Colonial Downs Claiming Crown Preview Day
Host: Nick Tammaro | Guest: Michael Domabyl (Virginia-based Handicapper)
In this broadcast, the focus shifts to Virginia for Claiming Crown Preview Day at Colonial Downs. Tammaro teams up with local expert Michael Domabyl to analyze a card where the top two finishers in each qualifier secure automatic spots in the 2026 Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs on November 14.
Across both shows, Tammaro and his guests emphasize that multi-race success requires balancing budget with coverage.
Key Points
- Be Picky with Favorites: Both Levitch and Domabyl highlight specific short-priced horses that lack a clear pace advantage or face class test upgrades, offering leverage to fade them.
- Target Live Longshots: Finding value in middle legs allows you to differentiate your ticket from the public consensus.
- Adapt to Track Dynamics: From Del Mar's firm summer turf and dirt to Colonial's sprawling grass layouts, matching horses to track profiles is crucial.
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