Del Mar Race 9
1 - California Chrome
California Chrome has never been better and no one is beating him right now. The 5-year-old is improving with age and ran his fastest career race over the last 17 months just last time out in the San Diego. Chrome has the speed to take control of this race from the start and escape the rail position. He also has shown this year he simply cannot be overtaken in the lane once he hits his stride. Trainer Art Sherman put two solid works in from that last start and his horse has four wins out of six career starts at the 1 1/4 mile distance. California Chrome is the top play in the Pacific Classic, as he has the numbers and is simply too strong for any contenders at this point.