Dramatic English racing leads to Breeders' Cup trials in U.S. - UPI.com

1 of 3 | Japan-based Finger, shown winning the Tokyo Derby in June, tests his Breeders' Cup chops in Saturday's $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Photo by and courtesy of Katsumi Saito

Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A remarkable midweek race meeting at York in the north of England gives way this weekend back in North America to serious Breeders' Cup preps, including the leading edge of a late-year Japanese contingent in Saturday's $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar.

Classic

The best of the locals face some interesting challengers in Saturday's $1 million Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar, a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Forged Steel, who won the Grade II Gold Cup at Santa Anita in May by 9 1/2 lengths, is back after finishing fifth in the Grade II Suburban in a trip to Saratoga. Four-year-old filly Om N Joy just missed in the Grade I Clement Hirsch in her last start.