This week’s column posed a dilemma. The Pacific Classic is an extremely competitive wagering race, and I do not particularly like the favorite Knightsbridge. The problem is coming up with the winner is a handicapping puzzle.

What jumps out is there is a ton of speed and pace in the race. On paper it almost has to be fast and contested.

I want someone sitting off the pace, or maybe even coming from far back. The problem with that is Del Mar has a short stretch, and it is not easy to make up a lot of ground. That will make it tough for Hit Show who I think is the best closer and finisher here and will also be a fair price. I cannot single him for that reason. My strategy now becomes to beat the favorite, not use the favorite and try and stay alive in the late pick 5 by using the right horses. Hit Show must be one of them for me despite the track.

Navajo Warrior has improved since moving to the Saffie Joseph barn. He has a win over the track as well. He has speed but has also shown he can sit a trip which I think he would have to do here to win. Saffie has already shipped in and won a big race at the meet so maybe lightning strikes twice.

Malarchuk doesn’t look fast or good enough at first glance but two things jump out. He is improving and I have him sitting in the perfect spot trip wise in here. Maybe that combo can help him spring an upset.

I will cut things off there and use three horses to try and get by this race in the pick 5 and leave favored Knightsbridge off the ticket. Of course I’d love to have a single here, but this is one difficult renewal. I’ll just try and beat the chalk, and hope all the money goes to him and one of my three can get me by the race.