Bernier: Late pick four for 2018 Pacific Classic card

The card at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Pacific Classic Saturday is littered with solid wagering opportunities, whether it be a pick-six sequence that features three graded stakes races, the always-enticing early pick five, or the sequence that I’m most interested in: the late pick four. Here’s a look at Saturday’s late pick four, featuring the Del Mar Oaks and the main event, the Pacific Classic.

RACE 8 – GRADE 1 DEL MAR OAKS

I’ve loved OLLIE’S CANDY (4) since the day she won her maiden at Golden Gate, and I thought her effort in the San Clemente most recently was exceptional given the circumstances. Today, she gets a better post position and likely showcases her stalking ability as opposed to being forced to come from off the pace. She’ll be my main play in the first leg; as backups, I’ll use (in order of preference) COLONIA (7), FATALE BERE (5) and CALIFORNIAGOLDRUSH (8).

RACE 9 – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

My only real gripe with this sequence is that the maiden race isn’t carded first, allowing the betting public to see if any of the 2-year-olds are taking a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, so you’ll have to do the best you can (perhaps consulting the double will-pays from the Oaks into this race); I think several horses can win, including DUELING (8), ISTANBUL (7), and GAME WINNER (10). As backups, I’ll also include ASANO (6), NO TREBLE (4), and STREET CLASS (1).

:: Wager on the late pick four at Del Mar with DRF Bets

RACE 10 – GRADE 1 PACIFIC CLASSIC

I know many people will single ACCELERATE (5), and rightfully so; he’s the best horse in the race and loves the Del Mar main track. He’s been gone since the end of May, and going 10 furlongs off the bench is no bargain. He’s the most likely winner, but I’m going to use another horse along with him. Admittedly, I’ve been chasing PRIME ATTRACTION (3) for some time, but I think there’s a case to be made for him Saturday at a square price. His most recent effort in the Eddie Read on turf was strong, and I’m of the belief that he didn’t love the wet surface in the Santa Anita Handicap earlier this year. Prior to that, you’re left with a solid second in the San Pasqual behind Accelerate, but I think Prime Attraction ran every bit as well as Accelerate that day; I think the inside is where you wanted to be at Santa Anita on Feb. 3, and Prime Attraction raced wide throughout. I’m looking forward to playing Prime Attraction to win and hopefully being alive with him in the pick four.

RACE 11 – N1X

I don’t have a strong opinion in this salty N1X that closes things out; PIONEER LAD (2) has solid tactical speed, but the distance may be an issue for him. The same thing can be said for KY. COLONEL (8), as he’s done his best work at a flat mile. I’ll also use ANY QUESTIONS (6) off the claim for trainer Steve Knapp; I thought he ran well in his most recent start going longer and should appreciate the slight turnback in distance.