Three live longshots for Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar

by SCOTT SHAPIRO

It is Pacific Classic Day on Saturday at Del Mar and racing secretary David Jerkens and the racing office have put together a strong 11-race card headlined by the return of Juddmonte Farms' Arrogate in the meet's premier race.
 
There are all sorts of opportunities to find value on the card, including the Players' Pick 5 and the mandatory payout in the Pick 6 pool, but let's take a look at a few horses that will not be favorites that could be worth keying in exotic wagers and/or betting in the Win/Place/Show pools.
 
Race 4
 
#3 Mt. Leinster makes his first start off a five-month break and since being claimed by veteran trainer Bill Spawr. Normally I would be concerned with the fact that he has not raced since being claimed back in late March, but not with Spawr. He excels at giving his new runners time before racing them in the afternoon for the initial time under his care.
 
This son of Field Commission showed ability for his former connections and should move forward a ton with the upgrade to one of the better horsemen on the Del Mar backstretch.
 
Spawr cuts this gelding back to one turn, a move he hits with at a startling 47% dating back to the start of 2016, and legs up veteran Agapito Delgadillo in this spot. Look for this Florida-bred to sit mid-pack early on and get the best of this group late. At odds of 6-1 on Russ Hudak's morning line, I love his chances.
 
Race 5
 
#9 Icy Street is a lightly-raced son of Street Boss trained by John Sadler. The three-year-old colt ran on for second in his debut back in April sprinting over Santa Anita's main track. After some time away from the races, Sadler sent him onto the turf for his initial try around two turns.
 
In that July 22 start over the Del Mar lawn, the Batchelor Family Trust runner clipped heels early costing him ground, dropped back to last on the backstretch when perhaps he lost focus for a bit, and had a less than ideal voyage when trying to pass rivals in the lane. He still finished with some energy and got to the wire fifth.
 
I expect jockey Tyler Baze to have him closer in his second try going a route of ground on the sod. He should move forward quite a bit with the experience of his last race and a cleaner voyage this time around. At 12-1 on the line he is worth a Win wager and keying in the trifecta in the first couple slots.
 
Race 7: Del Mar H. (G2)
 
#1 Liam the Charmer returns to Southern California after a cross-country voyage to Monmouth Park for the United Nations (G1) where he ran an uninspiring eighth. I am willing to forgive that start since it was the first time he shipped and he was wide through much of the race.
 
His effort two-back in the Charles Whittingham (G2) was good enough to win the 1 1/4-mile event at Santa Anita, but he did not have the best voyage and finished a hard charging fourth.
 
The son of Smart Strike draws well to the inside, which should allow jockey Victor Espinoza to save ground early and make a big run late.
 
Most of this field appears to have run their best races already, but this Michael McCarthy trainee is still improving. He could be set for a career-best effort, which will likely be good enough to win at double-digit odds.
 
Play him to Win and key him in the vertical wagers.
 
Lets have a big day at the windows!
 
You can find my full card Daily Selections each and everyday for the Southern California and Indiana Grand circuits here.