Distance
1¼ miles
Surface
Dirt
Eligibility
3yo+
Grade
G1
About the race
Del Mar's headline race — west coast preview of the Breeders' Cup Classic, often featuring the same horses.
Race history
First run in 1991. The Pacific Classic frequently doubles as a final BC Classic prep for west coast horses; track conditions at Del Mar vs. Santa Anita can flip-flop trips dramatically.
Betting trends
What sharps watch for
- 01
Strong BC Classic predictor — particularly when the BC is hosted at Del Mar (where it ran 2021).
- 02
Front-runners and pressers win disproportionately on Del Mar's main track.
- 03
Closers can struggle if the pace doesn't melt — handicap based on projected fractions.
Recent winners
Last 4 editions
| Year | Winner | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mixto | — |
| 2023 | Arabian Knight | — |
| 2022 | Flightline | 1-5 |
| 2021 | Tripoli | — |
Where to bet the Pacific Classic
US pari-mutuel wagering happens through licensed operators. TVG (FanDuel-owned) and TwinSpires (Churchill Downs) are the two largest dedicated US racing platforms; both ship win/place/show plus the full exotic ladder (exacta, trifecta, superfecta, daily double, Pick 3/4/6) at the Del Mar meeting.
Other Summer stakes
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