O’Brien Gets It Started

The $1-million Pacific Classic isn’t the only graded stakes on the Del Mar card today.

A well-matched field of nine sprinters will get together in the $300,000 Pat O’Brien Breeders’ Cup Handicap, which comes four races before the day’s main event.

A Grade II at seven furlongs, the O’Brien is headed by Unfurl The Flag, a 5-year-old Bertrando gelding owned by a partnership and trained by David Bernstein.

Bred in California by Pam and Marty Wygod, Unfurl The Flag will be making his first start since he won the Grade I Triple Bend Handicap on July 3 at Hollywood Park. He was part of a fast pace that afternoon -- the half mile went in 43 4/5 seconds -- and he had more than enough left to win by two lengths in 1:20 4/5 for the seven furlongs.

Successful in six of 18 starts, Unfurl The Flag will be seeking his second victory in five starts at Del Mar.

The other contenders include the consistent McCann’s Mojave, Beau Soleil, Taste Of Paradise, the entry of Bear In The Woods and Pt’s Grey Eagle and the comebacking Imperialism.

Race of the day: Offlee Wild will be favored in his Saratoga debut when he takes on five other older horses in the $250,000 Saratoga Breeders’ Cup Handicap. A Grade II at 1 1/4 miles, the race also attracted Evening Attire, Royal Assault, Billy Allen, Tap Day and Suave. Offlee Wild has won six of 18 and comes off a victory in the Suburban Handicap on July 2 at Belmont Park.

One for the road: King Hoss had trouble April 15 on the Gulfstream Park turf and can break his maiden with a clean trip in today’s fourth at Saratoga. Richard Migliore will ride the 3-year-old El Prado gelding for owner Frank Stronach and trainer John Kimmel in the $46,000 race at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Perfect Drift in the eighth, Proposed, Dark Beauty and Simply Because in the ninth and Direct Male, Sharpen Up Victor, Commanding Creek and Right Proof in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/75. Money: Previous day/meet total: $5.20/$447.80. Total money bet: $478.