Mandella’s Pacific Entries Look Like a Million Again

The only relief for horsemen trying to win Saturday’s $1-million Pacific Classic may be that trainer Richard Mandella will be leaving Sandpit in the barn.

Mandella, who has finished 1-2-3 in California’s two other $1-million races this year, will still be running the two favorites at Del Mar. Gentlemen, winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup, is 6-5 on the morning line for the 1 1/4-mile race, and Siphon, winner of this year’s Santa Anita Handicap and last year’s Gold Cup, is 8-5.

Mandella plans to run Sandpit in the Arlington Million on Aug. 24. Mandella won last year’s Classic with Dare And Go, who stopped Cigar’s winning streak at 16 races.

Six horses were entered Wednesday for the Classic. In post-position order, they are Crafty Friend, Percutant, Siphon, River Keen, Lord Jain and Gentlemen.