Richard's Kid Surprises Heavyweights in Pacific Classic

by Patricia Woo | Sep 7 2009

The 1 ¼-mile Pacific Classic is the highlight of the racing season at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, Calif., and this year it was a must-see race. A full field of 12 took to the synthetic track on Sunday, Sept. 6 for the $1M race, a lineup that included Grade 1-winning contenders Colonel John, Rail Trip and Einstein. But in a shocking turn of events, it was longshot Richard's Kid who surged down the track to snatch victory away from the hard-running Einstein and a berth to the richest race at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meet in November, the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Pacesetter Tres Borrachos was followed closely by Mast Track and Misremembered for the early part of the race but the three would quickly fade out of contention. At the far turn, the expected contenders took over. Einstein, under Julien Leparoux, roared into the lead. This versatile 7-year-old, trained by Helen Pitts, seemed to have the race under wraps. But from back in 10th place, the 24-1 duo of Richard's Kid and jockey Mike Smith were preparing to make their move. With a furious late charge, Richard's Kid  managed to edge out Einstein by a neck at the wire for the first-place prize of $600,000. Bob Baffert trains the 4-year-old for Arnold Zetcher, who was thrilled with the results: "Look who we beat today: Einstein, Rail Trip, and all those other great horses." Richard's Kid's winning time was 2:02.39.

Richard's Kid could show up next in the Breeders' Cup Classic alongside Einstein, who will certainly be targeting the $5M race, according to Pitts.

Rail Trip, considered one of the favorites for the Breeders' Cup Classic, was coming into the Pacific Classic off a breakthrough performance in the $700,000 Gr. 1 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap on July 11. But under regular rider Jose Valdivia, Jr., 5-2 favorite Rail Trip encountered traffic troubles as the field rounded the second turn, and when asked for more, he did not have enough left to overtake the leaders. It was a fair showing for this Ron Ellis trainee and his determination bodes well for future races.

Colonel John was another top older horse who was coming into the Pacific Classic off a win. After a lengthy layoff at the beginning of 2008, the Eoin Harty-trained colt claimed his first victory of 2009 on July 31 on the turf at Del Mar in the $85,000 Wickerr Stakes - an unusual choice of tracks for this 4-year-old who was previously known as a synthetic specialist. But he too ran into traffic issues during the Pacific Classic and could muster only a fifth-place finish. Garrett Gomez was aboard for the unlucky ride.

Rounding out the order of finish behind Richard's Kid, Einstein and Rail Trip: Parading, Colonel John, Song of Navarone, Awesome Gem, Global Hunter, Informed, Misremembered, Tres Borrachos and Mast Track.

Summer racing at Del Mar is almost over, but the Breeders' Cup is just around the corner. Bet on horse racing at the Bodog Racebook!