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California Chrome wins $1 million Pacific Classic

California Chrome races to victory in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar leaving his challengers far behind. (Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)
Associated Press

DEL MAR, Calif. – California Chrome won the $1 million Pacific Classic by five lengths on Saturday at Del Mar for his 14th victory in 23 career starts.

Ridden Victor Espinoza, California Chrome ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.13 and paid $4.20, $2.60 and $2.20 as the 3-5 favorite in the field of nine. Espinoza finally won the stakes races in his 16th try.

Horse of the Year in 2014 after winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the 5-year-old chestnut extended his winning streak to five races, including a hard-fought win over Dortmund in the San Diego Handicap on July 23.

Defending champ Beholder returned $3.20 and $2.60, and Dortmund was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third and paid $2.40 to show.

California Chrome added to his North American record earnings with a $600,000 share, moving to $13,252,650. He’s owned by Perry Martin and Kentucky’s Taylor Made Farm.