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Pacific Classic Betting Guide

Pacific Classic Betting Guide: Wagers for Every Fan

Gun Runner, 2018 Horse of the Year winning the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga - with jockey Florent Geroux.

Every summer, horse racing fans circle one date on their calendars: Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar. This $1,000,000 Grade 1 race isn’t just one of the most prestigious events on the West Coast; it’s also a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. 

The Pacific Classic is famous for bringing together elite horses, legendary trainers, and racing’s most passionate fans. What makes it especially exciting is that it appeals to both casual spectators just getting into the sport and seasoned bettors looking for serious action. 

Whether you’re new to wagering or a long-time fan, the Pacific Classic lets everyone experience horse racing at its most thrilling.

This Pacific Classic betting guide walks through the best betting options for every fan, from simple wagers to high-payout exotics, while also exploring the history, trends, and handicapping insights that make this race a highlight of the season.

Win, Place, and Show: A Starting Point for New Bettors

If you’re brand-new to horse racing, the easiest bets to understand are win, place, and show. These wagers form the foundation of the sport and are the perfect way to get comfortable:

• A win ticket pays only if your horse crosses the wire first,
• A place bet cashes if your pick finishes in the top two,
• A show bet rewards you if the horse lands anywhere in the top three.

A show bet has the highest chance of success, but the payout is usually smaller. A win bet, on the other hand, carries the most risk but also offers the biggest reward.

Some fans like to combine these into what’s known as an “across the board” wager; essentially three separate bets on one horse. A $2 across-the-board play costs $6 in total, but it gives you three possible ways to score if your horse runs well.

Making a bet is straightforward. All you need to do is identify the track, the race number, the amount you’re playing, the type of bet, and the horse’s number. For example: “Del Mar, Race 10, $2 to win on #4.”

For newcomers, these options are simple, approachable, and a great way to join the fun of Pacific Classic day without feeling overwhelmed.

Pacific Classic Betting Guide: Exotic Bets

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you may want to try exotic bets; wagers that involve predicting multiple horses’ finishing positions. These bets are more challenging, but they can also lead to much bigger payouts:

• Exacta: Pick the first two finishers in order. You can “box” your horses to win if they finish in either order, or use an “exacta wheel” to pair one strong choice with several others,
• Trifecta: Predict the top three in order. A common approach is a $1 trifecta box with three horses, costing $6, which covers all possible finishes, 
• Superfecta: The boldest option; correctly picking the top four. Payouts can be huge, but even a modest $1 box with five horses costs $120.

These exotic bets are where the Pacific Classic really shines for experienced fans. With a deep and competitive field, the potential for high-payout wagers is part of what makes this race so thrilling.

Where Strategy Meets Storylines: Handicapping the Pacific Classic

Of course, successful betting requires more than luck. It’s about handicapping the race and analyzing the field. For the 2025 Pacific Classic, several key factors stand out.

• Trainer and Jockey Influence: Southern California powerhouses like John Sadler and Bob Baffert have a long history of dominating this race. Pay close attention to their entries and jockey assignments, 
• Form Cycle and Prep Races: Horses coming out of the San Diego Handicap, a major local prep, often run well in the Classic. A horse with improving recent performances is usually a strong candidate, 
• Pace Scenario: The 1 1/4-mile distance means pace will matter. A fast early pace could set up well for a closer, while a slower pace could allow a frontrunner to go wire-to-wire, 
• Pedigree: Stamina is key at this distance, so look for horses bred for longer races.

Fans following the field often want more than just raw stats; they want actionable insights on how these storylines might influence betting. That’s why resources like Del Mar picks are valuable, offering timely breakdowns of contenders and strategies tailored for Pacific Classic day.

Get a feel for the Del Mar Pacific Classic by watching the race unfold in 2024

Betting Trends and Memorable Pacific Classic Moments

The Pacific Classic has a rich history filled with both dominance and dramatic upsets, making it one of the sport’s most unpredictable events.

• In 1996, 39-1 longshot Dare and Go stunned the racing world by defeating Cigar, ending his legendary 16-race winning streak,
• In 2003, Candy Ride set a track record with a dazzling performance, while jockey Julie Krone became the first female rider to win a million-dollar race,
• In 2015, superstar mare Beholder made history by beating the boys, becoming the first female to win the Pacific Classic.
• Last year, Mixto pulled off a shocking 22-1 upset in 2024, proving once again that longshots can deliver at Del Mar.

The race has also seen repeat success from dominant trainers like Sadler and Baffert, whose names often appear in the winner’s circle. For bettors, these stories are a reminder that while favorites often run well, Pacific Classic history shows that bold wagers on outsiders can sometimes pay off.

Beholder wins Pacific Classic

The Pacific Classic’s Lasting Impact on Fans and Bettors

The Pacific Classic isn’t just another race; it’s an event that showcases the very best of horse racing. From thrilling finishes and legendary performances to the camaraderie of fans and the excitement of betting, it captures everything that makes the sport special.

For beginners, it’s a chance to experience the thrill of a first bet. For seasoned bettors, it’s an opportunity to test strategies on one of the year’s most competitive stages. The Pacific Classic is a reminder that horse racing is about more than just outcomes; it’s about the stories, the moments, and the memories created along the way.

Whether you leave with a winning ticket or not, the Pacific Classic is always a victory for the fans who get to be part of it.

We hope you have found our Pacific Classic Betting Guide a useful read.

*Content reflects information available as of 26/08/2025; subject to change.