Game On Dude made favorite for Pacific Classic
August 22, 2012DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) - Game On Dude is the early 5-2 favorite for the $1 million Pacific Classic this weekend at Del Mar.
The 5-year-old gelding trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert drew the No. 9 post for Sunday's 1 1/4-mile race and will be ridden by Chantal Sutherland. Baffert also will saddle Jaycito in pursuit of his fourth Classic. The race drew 10 entries on Wednesday night.
Sutherland has won five major stakes aboard Game On Dude, and will try to become the first female rider to sweep the Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup and the Classic.
Two-time Classic winner Richard's Kid was made the 7-2 second choice and will break from post No. 3 under Victor Espinoza. The 7-year-old horse was trained by Baffert as recently as last week before he was sold to new owners and moved to the barn of Doug O'Neill, who is currently serving a suspension.
The field for the Pacific Classic with odds: Rail Trip, 10-1; Amani, 5-1; Richard's Kid, 7-2; Where's Sterling, 15-1; Dullahan, 6-1; Akkadian, 20-1; Jaycito, 12-1; Suggestive Boy, 5-1; Game On Dude, 5-2; and Riveting Reason, 30-1.