California Chrome Puts on a Show in TVG Pacific Classic
- Laura Pugh
- Aug 21, 2016
- 3 min read
Photo Credit: Gary Tasich
Great horses have the ability to turn negatives into positives. That is exactly what California Chrome did in the TVG Pacific Classic (GI).
Drawing gate one out of nine for the Pacific Classic certainty wasn’t an obvious blessing for the connections of the Lucky Pulpit stallion. He had only ever won coming out of that position once, and jockey Victor Espinoza ended up guiding him to the outside early on that race.
In the Pacific Classic Chrome had two very good speed horses in Beholder and Dortmund to his outside, in gates seven and eight. If they were to keep their normal running style of stalk and pounce, then there was a good chance that California Chrome could get boxed in on the inside, a place he doesn’t historically like to be. However, when the gates opened, “normal” was clearly not on Espinoza’s mind.
California Chrome broke like a rocket from his inside post, bounding out to lead the field by one and one half lengths, while drifting out to the five or six path. After a quarter in 23.20, the strategy was clear. They were going to attempt to wire the field for the first time since March of 2014, in the San Felipe Stakes. "Before the race, no matter what strategy I have, everything changes when the gate opens,” Espinoza said. “So, right when I was behind the gate I thought ‘You know what,’ I'm going to send out of here. I'm going to send hard out of the gate and then move out just a little toward the middle of the track.
“I tapped California Chrome a couple of times and I was surprised I opened up two or three lengths right away. By that time I was very confident and happy. That's where I won.”
California Chrome continued to lead the way, beginning to lengthen his lead after rolling through six furlongs in 1:11.22. Around the turn, it was clear that the riders aboard Beholder and Dortmund were asking all of their mount to keep up, but it was to no avail. California Chrome was still going easily and soared into the stretch with a four length lead!
California Chrome seemingly cantered down the stretch, crossing the wire ahead by the easiest of five lengths. The final time for the Pacific Classic was an impressive 2.00.13. Behind him, Beholder ran a strong second, two and one quarter lengths ahead of the Bob Baffert trained Dortmund.
“She ran a great race,” said Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens. “I was hoping that she'd have that huge kick again like she did last year, but not this time. But it was a gutty performance for her. But Victor (Espinoza) was playing with us.
“I don't think he really let him run. That's scary to think about. Hats off to California Chrome."
The scene was surreal as Espinoza paraded the champion in front of a grandstand packed of adoring fans. Swept up in the moment Espinoza heaped praise upon the horse that delivered him his first Pacific Classic victory in 16 tries.
"He's just an amazing horse,” said a breathless Espinoza. “He won so easy today. I'm going to say this now -- this is the best horse I've ever ridden. I just wanted to get out there and see what was going to happen. He was going well the whole trip.
“The way he's running now he could beat anyone, anytime. He's run on dirt. He's won on grass. He has won all over the world. He's just so, so special."
It was billed as the “Best Ever TVG Pacific Classic” and the fans responded to the billing, coming out in droves. They came to witness history and to witness a show like no other. Being the star that he is, California Chrome did not disappoint. He put on a show that nobody will ever forget.
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