The Bob Baffert-trained General Challenge beat older horses while winning last year's renewal of the Pacific Classic and is expected to face Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Early Pionee, and Ecton Park in the Pacific Classic. Washington Park Handicap (gr. II) winner Blazing Sword is considered as possible for the race.
Golden Eagle Farm's General Challenge, who is being pointed toward a start in the Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 26, drilled six furlongs in 1:10 4/5, handily, at that track Thursday. With exercise rider Dana Barnes in the irons, the 4-year-old son of General Meeting went in splits of :12 4/5, :24 3/5, :36 4/5, :47 4/5, and :59 3/5 before galloping out seven furlongs in 1:24 1/5.