Brian Zipse

Saturday’s afternoon card at Del Mar is stacked. The 11-race card features big fields, four graded stakes races, and is topped by the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic Stakes. The signature race of the year at the seaside track has attracted a deep field of 11 going 1 ¼ miles, and is topped by the speedy Knightsbridge, who is drawn to the far outside. The Godolphin color bearer is just one of the vulnerable favorites I will look to beat in the loaded card.

The Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic will be run for the 36th time on Saturday. First contested in 1991, the signature race at Del Mar has successfully stood the test of time as one of America’s premier races. Held each summer at one of the most idyllic settings in racing, the 1 1/4-affair has been an important fixture on the nation’s calendar since its inception.

No horse ever has travelled the globe to run on dirt like Forever Young. After his typical summer freshening, the champion from Japan has returned to training back home and is one month away from his next race. The Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at the new Belmont Park will be the next stop on what has been an amazing journey for the 5-year-old son of Real Steel.