Singling Baffert juvenile in Del Mar Pick 4

by John Mucciolo

The $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) is the marquee event at Del Mar on Saturday as the signature race of the meeting. Eight will go postward in the splendid 10-furlong event.

But the race preceding it might make or break my day. A full field of two-year-olds will go six panels on the dirt and my single rests there.

Here’s my take on the late Pick-4:

RACE 8

Sophomore fillies get the spotlight in the grassy Del Mar Oaks (G1). Turf test will have a dozen heading postward, and I will spread to start it. #4 OLLIE’S CANDY (9-2) is a neck shy from being unbeaten in her lifetime. William Morey pupil overcame the 13 post in her turf debut in the San Clemente (G2) when a huge second. She is a must use.

#3 FATALE BERE (6-1), #6 PAVED (6-1), #7 COLONIA (7-2), #8 CALIFORNIAGOLDRUSH (8-1), #9 MS BAD BEHAVIOR (6-1) and #12 ANIMOSITY (8-1) are also included in a “safe” way to start the ticket.

RACE 9

#10 GAME WINNER (3-1) is the single for Bob Baffert. Candy Ride colt has been training like one ready to fire at first asking. Juvenile shows a trio of strong gate moves at Del Mar and I love the outside draw for a youngster.

While this field is no joke, I have a hunch that Baffert saved a good one to unveil on Pacific Classic Day. Joel Rosario has the assignment.

RACE 10

Marquee event is led by multiple Grade 1 winner #5 ACCELERATE (8-5). Peaking chestnut was a fine third in this race in 2017 behind two stars. He is the one to beat this time around in a somewhat modest field.

John Sadler trainee is three-for-five at Del Mar and all signs tell me he will fire a big one.

If the favorite falters, I can only envision a trio of other horses capable of winning the race. South American import #4 ROMAN ROSSO (5-1), Stephen Foster (G1) victor #7 PAVEL (7-2) and #3 PRIME ATTRACTION (8-1), who earned a robust 112 BRIS Speed figure in his latest try at Del Mar. 

I would be surprised if any other runner finished first in this million-dollar test.