Grade 1 winner Gift Box pointing to Del Mar's Pacific Classic

Edited News Release
Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

After an impressive Santa Anita season, Gift Box’s connections have Del Mar’s richest race in their sights.

Trainer John Sadler is pointing Gift Box to the $1 million, Grade 1 Pacific Classic on Aug. 17 at Del Mar. The 1 ¼-mile race carries a “Win and You’re In” ticket into the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which will take place in November at Santa Anita.

Del Mar’s $200,000 San Diego Handicap (G2) on July 20 is a possible stepping stone for the Pacific Classic.

Gift Box most recently ran second on Memorial Day in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1), ¾ of a length behind winner Vino Rosso.

“He came out of the Gold Cup in good shape, no problems,” Sadler said.

Before that second-place finish, Gift Box brought home victories Dec. 26 in the San Antonio Stakes (G2) and April 6 in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

The 6-year-old son of Twirling Candy is campaigned by Hronis Racing LLC. Gift Box has collected five wins and $979,160 in 16 career starts.

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