E: Both teams have had ball security issues in the red zone. T

DEL MAR, Calif. -- California Chrome took the lead out of the gate and ran away with the Pacific Classic.The winningest horse in North America history, California Chrome won the $1 million race by five lengths at Del Mar on Saturday for his 14th victory in 23 career starts.Ridden by 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.Espinoza, who won the 2015 Triple Crown riding American Pharoah, knew from the start the California Chrome was destined for the win.I was kind of surprised that I opened up two or three lengths right out of the gate, Espinoza said. At that time, I was very confident. ... Hes just an amazing horse, Espinoza said. He won so easy today. Im going to say this now -- he is the best horst Ive ever ridden.Defending champ Beholder returned $3.20 and $2.60, while Dortmund was another 2 1/4 lengths back in third and paid $2.40 to show.She ran a great race, Beholder trainer Gary Stevens said. I was hoping that shed have that huge kick again like she did last year, but not this time. But it was a gutty performance for her.Trainer Art Sherman also won his first Pacific Classic, as did owners Perry Martin and Kentuckys Taylor Made Farm.How can you say anything more about him? Sherman said. He is just the best horse in the country.California Chrome added to his North American record earnings with the $600,000 share, moving to $13,252,650. He also became the third horse to win the Pacific Classic from the No. 1 post.I saw the hold he had on the first turn and he was just cruising, Sherman said. I said, `Its all over.Harmonize won the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks, covering 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.71. Trained by William Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, Harmonize rallied in the final furlong to overtake two other horses. She paid $9.20, $5.40, and $3.40.Ashleyluvssugar won the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap by a nose at 2:16.11 on the 1 3/8-mile turf track. Trained by Peter Eurton and ridden by Gary Stevens, Ashleyluvssugar took the lead in the stretch and a photo finish over Metaboss, paying $7, $4, and $2.80. Michael Strahan Giants Jersey . No. 13-seeded John Isner and No. 21 Philipp Kohlschreiber were among six players who dropped out of the tournament on Tuesday, joining No. 12 seed Tommy Haas and two other players who withdrew on Monday. Mark Bavaro Youth Jersey . Spiller left Week 3s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets with a thigh injury, but fully practiced with the team all week and expects to be ready to go on Sunday. http://www.giantsonlineteamshop.com/dexter-lawrence-jersey-cheap.html . "Hes going to have hip surgery on Jan. 7, and hell be expected to rehabilitate for four to six months beyond that," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Friday in an interview. Daniel Jones Youth Jersey . Terms of the deal were not immediately available. The 26-year-old finished last season with Clevelands Triple-A affiliate in Columbus after signing with the Indians in August. Oshane Ximines Cheap Jersey . It was just business as usual for the Thunder at home. Durant scored 32 points and the Thunder beat the Bulls 107-95 on Thursday night for their eighth straight win. Virginia Techs most lopsided victory in several years might have given the Hokies a bit of a swagger heading into this week, but then came some cautionary words about their not-so-stellar recent past against East Carolina.The Pirates (2-1) of the American Athletic Conference have won two straight against the Hokies, and six in a row against Atlantic Coast Conference competition. Thats more than enough to get the Hokies attention.Were about to face a great team, Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds said. I think it starts with us. We have to prepare this week, come out to practice each and every day, prepare like a team, prepare to go get a win.The Hokies beat Boston College 49-0 last week , and first-year Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said its not necessary to remind his players about the challenge the Pirates present because of the last two seasons. Ending the skid wont be easy, even at home.The Hokies have won just three of their last 10 home games against Power Five conference programs.This is a program with great tradition that has won a lot of games, he said of the Pirates. They have very good football players. When you watch them play, theyre athletic. Defensively theyre moving all over the place.The Pirates had 519 yards last week in their 20-15 loss at South Carolina .East Carolina also has a first-year coach in Scottie Montgomery, but he spent the last three years as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Duke, and the Blue Devils won two of three against the Hokies.Hell arrive with limited history against Fuente, but plenty against defensive coordinator Bud Foster.There is no one, as a coordinator, who has challenged us as much as he has, Montgomery said, adding that a veteran secondary seems to key this years team. This is a football team that can cover your receivers.---Some other things to look for when East Carolina vissits Virginia Tech:WHERES ZAY? ECUs Zay Jones last week had 22 receptions for 190 yards against the Gamecocks.dddddddddddd That left him one catch short of the FBS record for receptions in a game. He has 39 catches for 443 yards in three games, and just one touchdown this season, but has managed five touchdown receptions in each of his first three seasons and will present a challenge for the Hokies secondary.EVANS PROGRESS: QB Jerod Evans fumbled three times and had a snap go over his head for another turnovers in the Hokies first two games, and threw his first interception last week on a ball that Isaiah Ford juggled into the arms of a defender. But Evans has also thrown for 10 touchdowns, with six different players on the receiving end.RED ZONE: Both teams have had ball security issues in the red zone. The Hokies had three turnovers inside the opposing 10 yard-line in their first two games, and the Pirates had four inside the South Carolina 20 last week. Those plays can be deflating for the team preparing to score, but invigorating for the team that took it away.IGNORING HISTORY: The Hokies have not been very good at home against top flight competition in recent seasons, losing nine of their last 12 against East Carolina and Power Five conference teams. A poor start can silence the crowd quickly, so they either need to start strong or play with resolve if the early going isnt promising.STAMINA IN THE SUN: Both coaches come into games hoping to run a fast-paced offense with a lot of plays. The Pirates had 91 snaps from scrimmage at South Carolina last week, and the Hokies had 77 against the Eagles.---Online: The APs college football page: http://collegefootball.ap.org---Follow Hank on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hankkurzjr ' ' '