First Look: Probables for Pacific Classic undercard

In addition to the $500,000 Pacific Classic at Del Mar, there are four other stakes races, with combined purses totaling $650,000, on the 11-race card for Saturday that officials were putting together Sunday.

Here's a capsule look at the expected entrants and overview of the undercard stakes in order of grading and purse size. (You can see a preview of the Pacific Classic here.)

Grade 1, $250,000 Del Mar Oaks, 1 1/8 miles on the turf, 3-year-old fillies

Expected: Applecross, Croughavouke, Guitty, Laura’s Light, Neige Blanche, Parkour, Shines Her Light, Trickle In, Warren’s Showtime.

Overview: The 1-2-3 finishers from the stepping stone July 25 San Clemente Stakes — Laura’s Light, Guitty and Warren’s Showtime – are all back looking to put a Grade I mark on the resume. There is also a wild card to be dealt with in Neige Blanche, a recent import from France making her U.S. debut for trainer Leonard Powell.

Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Handicap, 1 3/8 miles on the turf, 3-year-olds and up

Expected: Another Mystery, Combatant, Kiwi’s Dream, Originaire, Oscar Dominguez, Proud Pedro, Red King, United, Ward ‘n Jerry.

Overview: Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella thought about putting Eddie Read Stakes winner United on dirt for the Pacific Classic, realized the Classic purse had been lowered to $500,000 from $1 million, and called an audible on that play. The Handicap being a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, the ultimate goal and a race where United finished second in 2019, Mandella considered a more prudent choice. The others have United to beat.

Grade 3, $100,000 Torrey Pines, 3-year-old fillies, one mile, main track

Expected: Aurelia Garland, Happier, Harvest Moon, Secret Keeper, Storie Blue.

Overview: A group of lightly raced fillies whose careers may have started somewhat late but, once begun, have shown considerable promise.

Grade 3, $100,000 Green Flash Handicap, 3-year-olds and up, 5 furlongs on the turf

Expected: Baja Sur, Brandothebartender, Chaos Theory, Mesut, Mikes Tiznow, Sparky Ville, Wildman Jack.

Overview: Mikes Tiznow ships in from Golden Gate Fields having won three straight and four of his last five starts. Wildman Jack has been facing tougher opposition, most recently in the Bing Crosby (G1) on Aug. 1.