Horse Racing: It’s All About Flightline in Pacific Classic Betting Preview

They’re Racing at Del Mar

There is only one horse that bettors want to back and that’s Flightline in our Pacific Classic betting preview.

The unbeaten superstar is at skinny odds to win the Pacific Classic Del Mar and it would take a brave bettor to back against him.


Flightline to Take Flight

Pacific Classic odds suggest Flightline can’t be beaten at Del Mar and only Country Grammer is quoted at odds shorter than +1000.

A 4-year-old son of Tapit, Flightline comes off consecutive grade I wins in the Malibu and Metropolitan. He hasn’t been tested in any of his four starts, so the future is bright.

Many critics believe he could be one of the best in the world, despite having only four starts. Stretching to this distance is a mild concern but his work throughout the week suggested he’ll handle it.

“It was just like we have been doing every week, trying to get away from the pole relaxed,” assistant trainer Juan Leyva said. “That’s what he did today. He slowly picked it up, eighth by eighth. It’s really what we wanted, just an easy work before the race, just enough to take the edge off, but not take anything out of the tank.”

It’s a good sign that he’ll handle the trip and the small field only helps his chances. We expect him to settle on the speed and give an almighty kick at the top of the stretch.

Country Grammer to Test Fav

Country Grammer is a serious threat to Flightline if he brings his best form to the track.

Our Pacific Classic betting preview shows Country Grammer’s impressive Dubai World Cup win against top-level opposition. It was better opposition than what Flightline has faced, so it has to be respected.

It was disappointing to not see him win the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar last start, which is why he’s not shorter than +500 with bookmakers.

The 5-year-old hasn’t finished worse than second in his last five starts, including a win in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita. His best form is good enough to win and he’s the obvious quinella hope with Flightline.

“You can’t be afraid of one horse,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “Flightline is an exceptional horse. I’ve watched him train. I haven’t seen a horse like that since American Pharoah and another good horse I had, Arrogate. Flightline’s that caliber of horse.”

Pacific Classic odds have him on the second line of betting, clear of Royal Ship, who defeated him last start.

Royal Ship also formed to compete with the best and he got back to his best in the San Diego Handicap.

The 6-year-old gelding won the John Shear Mile three starts ago before running third behind There Goes Harvard in a relatively weak Gold Cup at Santa Anita. However, his run at Del Mar was good.

It was his first run on the track and we wouldn’t leave him out of our Pacific Classic betting preview. He’s a top-three chance and he could pay a handsome price to finish second.

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