Del Mar: Picks and plays for the Pacific Classic

The five horses set to oppose champion Maximum Security in Saturday’s Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar are facing a challenging task.

How do you defeat a horse who refuses to lose?

With his perfect blend of speed and stamina, Maximum Security has emerged as a force to reckon with over the last year and a half. He has crossed the wire first in 10 of his 11 starts. He has posted a bevy of triple-digit Brisnet Speed ratings. He is 2-for-2 in 2020, with tenacious victories in the $20 million Saudi Cup and the San Diego H. (G2).

But talent alone can’t explain Maximum Security’s dominant record. His heart and determination have been just as important.

Remember the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1), when Maximum Security was famously disqualified for ducking out on the far turn and causing interference? Lost in the controversy is the fact Maximum Security did as much harm to his own chances. He lost the lead at the top of the stretch and could have called it quits, but instead he battled back to cross the wire in front by 1 3/4 lengths.

Maximum Security’s grit was again on display in the July 25 San Diego at Del Mar. Off a five-month layoff, Maximum Security was short of peak fitness and seemed to struggle on the backstretch and around the far turn. But down the homestretch, he found another gear and wore down Midcourt to prevail by a nose.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert figures to have Maximum Security fitter and faster for the Pacific Classic, which serves as a "Win and You're In" qualifier to the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland.

#1 Midcourt is back for another try, along with San Diego third-place finisher and defending Pacific Classic winner #2 Higher Power. But they’ll need improvement to turn the tables, because if Maximum Security is in the hunt turning for home, his fighting spirit will almost certainly carry him to victory.

Let’s key Maximum Security on top in the trifecta and superfecta and emphasize Higher Power underneath. We’ll oppose Argentinean shipper #3 Mirinaque, who is unproven against this caliber of competition, and add Midcourt, #4 Dark Vader, and #6 Sharp Samurai to the final slots.

$6 trifecta: 5 with 2 with 1,4,6 ($18)
$6 trifecta: 5 with 1 with 2
$2 superfecta: 5 with 2 with 1,4,6 with 1,4,6 ($12)
$2 superfecta: 5 with 1 with 2 with 4,6 ($4)
Total: $40

Good luck!