Game On Dude Favored in Del Mar's Richest Race

The $1 million TVG Pacific Classic, Del Mar's richest and most prestigious race, will be run Sunday, with Game On Dude, the nation's top-ranked older male thoroughbred, the favorite for the third consecutive year.

The 6-year-old Bob Baffert-trained gelding is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the field of 12 in the 1 1/4-race for 3-year-olds and up. He will be ridden by Martin Garcia, the replacement for Joel Rosario, who suffered a broken foot in a spill in the seventh race at New York's Saratoga Race Course Friday.

Game On Dude finished fourth in the 2011 race and second last year, beaten a half-length by Dullahan. Game on Dude will start from post 11.

Dullahan is the second choice at 7-2. The field also includes Richard's Kid, who is seeking to become the race's first three-time winner. He won in 2009 and 2009, missed the 2011 race because he was in Dubai and finished third last year.

All horses will carry 124 pounds, except for the filly Byrama, who will carry five pounds less.

The winner will be guaranteed free entry into the nation's richest race, the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, which will be run Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park.