All-sources handle for Pacific Classic program reaches $27.8 million
DEL MAR, Calif. - All-sources handle at Del Mar reached $27.8 million on Saturday’s 11-race Pacific Classic program, the second-highest handle on a non-Breeders’ Cup Day in track history.
The figure, which includes ontrack, simulcasting and account-wagering sources, was down substantially from the figure of $36.02 million on Pacific Classic day in 2021, the fifth-highest handle in track history.
The four best days of handle in track history were Breeders’ Cup programs in 2017 and 2021.
The pick six pool was a significant reason for lower handle on Saturday compared to 2021.
Last year, the Pacific Classic program included a massive carryover of $1,874,996 in the 20-cent Rainbow pick six, which had a mandatory payout. Bettors added $8,876,771 to the pool that day.
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On Saturday, the Rainbow pick six had a mandatory payout, but began with a carryover of $115,546. Bettors added $1,957,026.
Saturday’s Pacific Classic was won decisively by Flightline ($2.60), the shortest-priced winner in the race’s 32-year history. Flightline beat five rivals. Last year, Tripoli beat eight rivals in a competitive betting race that had higher handle figures in most categories than this year’s race.
The 2021 Pacific Classic was held on Aug. 21. This year’s date was the latest for a Pacific Classic since the race was held on Sept. 6 in 2009.
Ontrack attendance on Saturday reached only 12,077, the second-lowest in race history. The event had a reported attendance of 328 in 2020, a year in which crowds were strictly limited during the height of the pandemic to owners with horses racing on a given day.
Last year, the Pacific Classic program drew an ontrack crowd of 12,655. The race drew 44,181 in 1996, the year Cigar’s 16-race winning streak ended with a second to Dare and Go in the Pacific Classic.
On Saturday, an unseasonably warm day with temperatures reaching the high 80s may have kept some people indoors.
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