Baffert has Game On Dude on course for Pacific Classic

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert won the last two Pacific Classics with under appreciated Richard's Kid. This year the white haired conditioner will be represented by Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude.

The four-year-old gelding had a workout at Del Mar yesterday morning for the 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic. With jockey Martin Garcia in the saddle, Game On Dude worked a mile in 1:38 flat on the Polytrack surface.

"He worked well, now we've just got to keep him healthy and happy up to the race," Baffert said.

Early next week the runner-up, by a nose, in the Hollywood Gold Cup will have his final workout for the $1 million Classic.

A full field of 14 could well start in this year's Pacific Classic. Del Mar stakes coordinator Zachary Soto indicated that 20 horses may be nominated for the event. The only time 14 started the race was in 2002 when Came Home gave Mike Smith the first of the jockey's three Classic victories. Smith was aboard Richard's Kid the last two years.

Probable starters for the August 28 race include Stately Victor, Twirling Candy, Game On Dude, Blind Luck, Caracortado, Jeranimo, Setsuko and Tres Borrachos.