Del Mar: Pacific Classic candidates emerge

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DEL MAR, Calif. - Endorsement, second in the Wickerr Stakes on turf on July 24, and Hawk’s Eyes, a group stakes winner in Brazil in 2012, are candidates for the $1 million Pacific Classic on Aug. 25.

Endorsement was beaten 1 1/4 lengths by Arlington Million hopeful Indy Point in the Wickerr, his first start for trainer Hector Palma. Endorsement won the Grade 3 Texas Mile at Lone Star Park in 2012 when trained by Eoin Harty.

Hawk’s Eyes is winless in two starts in this country. He was eighth in an optional claimer on turf here Aug. 1, but grabbed a quarter in that race, trainer A.C. Avila said.

Avila said he has been encouraged by the way the 4-year-old Hawk’s Eyes has worked on Del Mar’s Polytrack synthetic surface.

“He trains unbelievably here,” Avila said.

A large field is likely for the Pacific Classic, led by Hollywood Gold Cup winner Game On Dude. Other expected starters are defending champion Dullahan as well as Byrama, Delegation, Farraaj, Jeranimo, Kettle Corn, Richard’s Kid, and You Know I Know.

Liaison and Sky Kingdom may start, pending workouts later this week, trainer Bob Baffert said.

Wednesday, the Baffert-trained Paynter worked six furlongs in 1:13.60. Baffert said the $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 31 is likely to be Paynter’s next start.