What Pacific Classic trainers think of their post positions

A field of nine was entered and post positions were drawn Tuesday for Saturday’s 31st running of the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic, and a quick survey of the connections found no complaints, regardless of post position.

John Sadler-trained Tripoli, second by a half-length to Express Train in the San Diego Handicap (G2) on July 17, drew the normally dreaded No. 1 post. Asked about it this morning, Sadler shrugged.

“The post is OK, he’s got a mile and a quarter to run and a long way to the first turn,” Sadler said. “He’s doing great, ready to go and we’re happy to be in there.”

Sadler said that while Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World was nominated for the signature event of Del Mar’s summer meeting, it was never a matter of serious consideration. There will be an announcement regarding Rock Your World on Friday, Sadler said.

John Shirreffs-trained Express Train, the 3-1 favorite on oddsmaker Jon White’s morning line, drew the No. 5 spot.

“The post is great, we’re happy to be right in the middle,” Shirreffs said. “He’s got tactical speed and once he gets to the backside he relaxes and gets into a good long stride.”

Craig Dollase-trained Cupid’s Claws, second to Tizamagician, beaten 2 1/2 lengths in the Cougar II Stakes (G3) on July 18, drew the far outside No. 9.

“I’m happy with it,” Dollase said. “We’re in the clear, he’ll be forwardly placed and hopefully get the distance.”

The 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic is a “win-and-you're-in” qualifier for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Del Mar.

The Pacific Classic field from the rail with jockeys and morning-line odds in parentheses: Tripoli (Tiago Pereira, 5-1); Tizamagician (Flavien Prat, 5-1); Dr Post (Joel Rosario, 4-1); Royal Ship (Mike Smith, 7-2); Express Train (Juan Hernandez); Magic On Tap (Abel Cedillo, 20-1); Independence Hall (Florent Geroux, 5-1); Sheriff Brown (Edwin Maldonado, 30-1), and Cupid’s Claws (Umberto Rispoli, 15-1).