NINE POSSIBLE FOR PACIFIC CLASSIC

9 Possible for Pacific Classic, Presented by TVG

The field for Saturday's 20th running of the $1-million, Grade I Pacific Classic Presented by TVG is firming up at nine older males going 1 1/4 miles on Del Mar's main track.

Two of the prospects, defending champion Richard's Kid and San Diego Handicap winner Dakota Phone will drill Monday as they put in their final preparations for Del Mar's signature race.

The nine who appear to be set to run, in addition to the aforementioned pair, are Hollywood Gold Cup winner Awesome Gem, who will be making his fourth appearance in the Pacific Classic and will be ridden by David Flores; Hold Me Back, trained by former winner Bill Mott and ridden by four-time winner Garrett Gomez; Cougar II Handicap victor Temple City with leading rider Rafael Bejarano; Eddie Read winner The Usual Q.T. with Victor Espinoza; Crowded House with Corey Nakatani; Isle of Giant's with Patrick Valenzuela, and Cougar II runner-up Unusual Suspect, with no rider named.

Richard's Kid will be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, whose 2009 win aboard Richard's Kid was his second in the Pacific Classic, and rising star Joel Rosario will be aboard Dakota Phone.

A late commitment could come from Battle of Hastings, who finished a strong second to Dakota Phone in the San Diego. Jeff Mullins said the 4-year-old multiple stakes-winning turf horse will work at Hollywood Park on Monday and the trainer will make a decision based on the work and choice of a rider.

Trainer Ben Cecil's pair of Pacific Classic prospects -- Isle of Giant's and Crowded House -- worked 5 furlongs this morning to finish preparations for the race. Isle of Giant's went 1:00.80 this morning with Valenzuela up, and Crowded House was clocked unofficially in 1:01.40 with Nakatani in the irons.

Since there are no 3-year-olds among the prospects, all will carry 124 pounds. If a 3-year-old is entered he will carry 118.

Deadline for entries for the Pacific Classic is Tuesday at noon in the backside racing office. The post-position draw will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe.