With a purse recently increased back to $1 million, the TVG Pacific Classic (G1) headlines a eleven-race card on Saturday at Del Mar featuring five graded stakes races with year-end championship implications. Graded stakes winner Express Train will take on eight rivals as he tries to earn a spot in the starting gate in the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) which will be held at Del Mar on November 6.
TVG will feature an expanded broadcast of the marquee race for older horses this Saturday at Del Mar with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes features and expert analysis. TVG's Todd Schrupp, Christina Blacker, Britney Eurton, Simon Bray, Scott Hazelton, Mike Joyce and Joaquin Jaime will be live throughout the card with insights and handicapping selections. Jockey Mike Smith will join Christina Blacker and Simon Bray on set before the fifth race to discuss his Pacific Classic entrant, Royal Ship, as well as reflect on his past success in the race.
Express Train, the morning line favorite at odds of 3-1 for trainer John Shirreffs, will be ridden by Juan Hernandez. The 4-year-old son of Union Rags won the San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar in July. His rivals include Royal Ship (BRZ) and Tizamagician for trainer Richard Mandella as well as East Coast invader Dr. Post from the Todd Pletcher barn.
The undercard will also include the $300,000 Del Mar Handicap(G2), a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1). The race has drawn a competitive field of eleven including United, a homebred for LNJ Foxwoods and the runner-up in this race in 2020. Trained by Richard Mandella, the 6-year-old gelding will be ridden by Flavien Prat.
The award-winning network will also air several special features throughout the day including an interview with trainer Richard Mandella who will saddle Tizamagician and Royal Ship as he attempts to win his fifth edition of the Pacific Classic. His son, Gary, will conduct the interview. Other features include a spotlight on jockey Juan Hernandez, rider of Express Train as well as a look at Del Mar Mile contender Mo Forza.
There will also be the utilization of the expanded technology TVG has introduced to the Del Mar meet this season including drone footage, in-race Jockey Cams and Touchscreen Technology.
Thoroughbred Aftercare will also take center stage this weekend as the annual CARMAthon online fundraiser culminates on TVG Pacific Classic Day. TVG will be amplifying the message and will be showcasing stories of retired racehorses thriving in second careers. The donations from this fundraiser will help fund CARMA's (California Retirement Management Account) grant program which offers assistance to more than 20 Thoroughbred aftercare charities.
In addition to racing from Del Mar, TVG will also be featuring Monmouth Park, Gulfstream Park, Pimlico and more. Fans can tune in on TVG, TVG2 and the Watch TVG app which is available on Amazon Fire, Roku and connected Apple TV devices.
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