Pacific Classic Contenders Gearing Up

A bevy of $1-million GI Pacific Classic contenders worked Tuesday and Wednesday at Del Mar in advance of the Aug. 22 seaside contest. Spendthrift Farm’s dual champion Beholder (Henny Hughes) drilled four furlongs in :48.60 (8/33) with Gary Stevens in the irons Tuesday. It was the Richard Mandella trainee’s first serious piece of work since taking the GI Clement L. Hirsch S. Aug. 1. Wednesday Mandella fielded last out GII San Diego H. hero Catch a Flight (Arg) (Giant’s Causeway) in a seven-panel move clocked in 1:25.60 (1/1). “A real nice work and he looks terrific, I’m expecting a big race from him,” said Mandella.

Fellow Hall of Famer Bob Baffert sent out last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Classic hero and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Bayern (Offlee Wild) for a seven-panel spin caught in 1:25.60 Tuesday. The Kaleem Shah colorbearer ran third in the GII San Diego H. behind the aforementioned Catch a Flight, one position better than fourth-place barnmate Hoppertunity (Any Given Saturday), who breezed in company with stablemate Air Pocket (Smart Strike), getting the five panels in 1:00.80 (3/46) Wednesday morning.