2026 Pacific Classic Tips - Walsh's outsider an Original selection at Del Mar
The 2026 Pacific Classic at Del Mar lacks a true standout contender, with most of the field considered Grade Two quality. Knightsbridge and Japanese hopeful Finger lead the betting, but Original Sin emerges as a strong each-way option due to the expected fast pace and his proven ability to finish strongly. With experienced jockey Juan Hernandez aboard, Original Sin could capitalize on the race dynamics and spring a minor upset. The race serves as a key prep for the Breeders' Cup Classic, with several runners aiming to enhance their autumn credentials.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Pacific Classic
- This Group One takes place at Del Mar on Sunday 23rd August
- Original Sin is our each-way selection at 16/1
Before some of the best 10-furlong horses on the East Coast battle it out in the Jockey Club Gold Cup on Sunday, top horses in California will fight for supremacy in the Pacific Classic. Modern greats like California Chrome and Flightline won this Group One before following up at the Breeders' Cup, and this weekend's winner will likely line up in the Classic at Keeneland in the autumn.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Pacific Classic, including our best US Racing betting tips.
2026 Pacific Classic Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Knightsbridge | 5/2 |
| Forged Steel | 5/1 |
| Hit Show | 6/1 |
| Finger | 8/1 |
| Navajo Warrior | 8/1 |
| Full Serrance | 8/1 |
| Bar | 12/1 |
2026 Pacific Classic Runners
This year's Pacific Classic has a fairly low-key feel. Leading the way in the betting is Monmouth Cup winner Knightsbridge, who is best-priced at 12/1 to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.
2025 Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show represents Brad Cox and Wathnan Racing. Forged Steel ran out an emphatic winner of the Gold Cup Stakes at Santa Anita two starts back, but he and Hit Show were both hammered by Phileas Fogg when last seen in the Suburban Stakes.
Japanese trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka has spied an opportunity and sends Tokyo Derby winner Finger over to the States for the first time. Forged Steel is joined in the field by Grade Three-winning stablemate Navajo Warrior. Joel Rosario and John Sadler team up with former Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Full Serrano.
Subsanador was a Grade One winner back in 2024, but hasn't shown any sort of form since returning to the track earlier this year. Aggie Ordonez's Grade Two-winning filly Om N Joy takes on the colts for the first time. Malarchuk has nine lengths to find on Forged Steel from their clash at Santa Anita. British Isles and Original Sin complete the field.
2026 Pacific Classic Tips
It's incredibly unlikely that we'll see a Flightline-esque performance in Saturday's Pacific Classic. Most of the runners are Grade Two quality at best. Knightsbridge remains open to further progress, and the Japanese raider Finger - who is the only three-year-old in the field - remains an unknown quantity.
Knightsbridge will look to get forward early from the widest stall of all, and Japanese horses are usually ridden aggressively. Full Serrano likes to get on with things, and both of the Saffie Joseph runners have done their best work from the front.
With a fast pace almost guaranteed, ORIGINAL SIN (16/1) holds plenty of appeal in the each-way market. This son of Curlin has won four times for Brendan Walsh, with the most recent of those victories coming in the Grade Three Blame Stakes, where Hit Show could only finish third.
Original Sin, like many in Saturday's field, struggled in the Suburban Stakes on his most recent start at the beginning of July. The pace setup that day really suited the front-running Phileas Fogg, who barely saw another rival. Original Sin endured a horror passage through the race at the rear, and was forced deep around the bend to try and make up ground, which he never managed to do.
A fierce battle for the lead here would certainly suit a closer, and Original Sin has improved plenty during 2026. Del Mar regular Juan Hernandez comes in for the ride this weekend, and Brendan Walsh's four-year-old is capable of causing a minor upset in this low-quality Grade One.
Verdict
Original Sin is our each-way selection in the 2026 Pacific Stakes.
Original Sin E/W
2026 Pacific Classic Tips
@16/1 - 5 Units
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