Pacific Classic Exotics Plays

An outstanding field of 11 will run 1 1/4 miles on the Del Mar main strip in Saturday’s $1 million Pacific Classic (G1). I feel that the race will go through the Bill Mott-trained #11 Knightsbridge (5-2) in his second try at two turns. By Nyquist, the five-year-old is a four-time Grade 3 winner from his 11 lifetime appearances, and also owns a top-level placing with his second-place result in the Met Mile (G1) two races back. 

Pacific Classic Exotics

• $10 exacta 11 with 7,9 ($20)
• $1 trifecta key 11 with 2,3,7,9,10 ($20)
• 10-cent superfecta 7,9,11 with 7,9,11 with 2,3,7,9,10,11 with all ($19.20)

The lightly raced Godolphin homebred went two turns in the Monmouth Cup (G3) at nine furlongs for the initial time in his latest venture, and the five-year-old ran off to a sensational, 10-length romp while going unchallenged throughout the contest. Knightsbridge has posted a trio of strong morning moves on the Oklahoma training surface at Saratoga in advance of his California debut and will be forcing the swift early pace with regular rider Junior Alvarado back in the irons. 

#9 Navajo Warrior (8-1) has never been better for trainer Saffie Joseph and exits a trio of wins in succession. The dark bay son of Candy Ride, who was formerly based in the Golden State, bagged the Pimlico Special (G3) two back at a distance similar to this one, and he was last seen decimating his competition in the Cornhusker H. (G3) last time, as well. Micah Husbands will pilot the peaking five-year-old. 

Grade 1 hero #7 Hit Show (6-1) has run some of his better races at 1 1/4 miles, and he will receive a healthy tempo to rally into late in his first run on the Del Mar surface. The Brad Cox trainee has put in a pair of good runs since returning from Dubai leading up to the tilt, and I expect him to take a step forward on Saturday with Florent Geroux in the irons. 

#3 Finger (8-1) is a dual classic winner in his native Japan and will take on his elders in his stateside debut. The Gun Runner colt has been first or second in each of his eight lifetime races to date and could be almost any kind in the contest. The Tanaka trainee will rally from off the pace in his U. S. unveiling for Tanaka. 

#2 Forged Steel (5-1) will try to make the lead in the race and could be dangerous if he does clear for Joseph. The Vekoma colt might have found his best footing going 10 furlongs on the dirt, evidenced by his Gold Cup (G2) romp two prior, and if he can avoid an early tussle, then the gray could be dangerous late with Edwin Gonzalez in the irons. #10 Full Serrano (8-1) was a close second in the race in 2024 and comes in fresh off a troubled voyage at Oaklawn Park in the spring. The Full Mast seven-year-old will be forward from the break with Joel Rosario on board.