Report: Stephen Foster winner Pavel to race on West Coast next

Following his win Saturday in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap, Pavel will train up to another summer staple in the handicap division.

According to Daily Racing Form reporter Marty McGee, trainer Doug O'Neill is targeting Del Mar's Grade 1 TVG Pacific Classic for the 4-year-old son of Creative Cause.

As with Churchill Downs' Stephen Foster, the Aug. 18 Pacific Classic offers a "Win and You're In" spot for the Breeders' Cup Classic -- not that Pavel needs that. His return trip to Kentucky's already paid after the Reddam Racing charge ran to a commanding, 3 3/4-length victory under the Twin Spires.

O'Neill said it's unlikely Pavel races between now and the Pacific Classic but told DRF, “I guess that could change.” The Stephen Foster marked the gray or roan colt's fourth start of the year, with the campaign including a trip overseas for the Dubai World Cup.

Pavel had run fourth in four straight races before a score in the Foster that advanced his standing among older horses in training. He opened at 15-1 on Monday in the Wynn Las Vegas' 2018 Breeders' Cup Classic odds.