Serving Up a Classic Brew

Besides being a rare stakes race with an overflow field, the $1-million Pacific Classic is also the start of a pick six that has a $1-million guaranteed pool.

There are no free spots in the pick six, so some players may pass on today’s card and hope there is a monster carryover for Monday.

Those who insist on playing probably will be spreading the Classic, a race that seems almost certain to fall apart in favor of closers.

Such a scenario would certainly favor Santa Anita Handicap and Californian winner Milwaukee Brew.

Making his first start in California in the Big ‘Cap on March 2, the 5-year-old Wild Again horse sat well off the pace and went on to win by four lengths at the Pacific Classic distance of 1 1/4 miles.

Milwaukee Brew also has the advantage of being trained by Bobby Frankel, who has won the Classic six times, including the last two years with the now-retired Skimming.

Momentum, who was a nose loser to Sky Jack in the Hollywood Gold Cup last month, is another who should be helped by the probable race shape.

A longshot to pay attention to is Pleasantly Perfect.

Owned by Diamond A Racing Corporation and trained by Richard Mandella, the 4-year-old Pleasant Colony colt has never run in a graded stakes, but he is improving and the 10 furlongs will be ideal for him.

Race of the day: Mandella will send out 123-pound highweight Redattore in the $250,000 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash. Jason Lumpkins will ride Redattore, who will break from post 11 in the field of 12.

Who’s hot: Kevin Radke. The former hot apprentice in northern California is the leading rider at Emerald Downs and is riding at about a 21% clip.

Who’s not: Juan Marquez. The trainer, who currently has a string at Sacramento, was three for his first 113 in 2002.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the Pacific Classic using Milwaukee Brew, Momentum and Pleasantly Perfect in the first two spots and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/59. Money: Previous day/meet total: $20.20/$361.20. Total money bet: $476.