Juan Hernandez Del Mar Jockey Streak Sets the Stage for Pacific Classic
Del Mar’s summer meet took a dramatic turn on Saturday as Juan Hernandez, the four-time defending champion in the jockey standings, delivered one of the most dominant single-day performances in recent memory. The 33-year-old rider secured six victories, widening his lead over Antonio Fresu to eight wins and reminding fans why he has been the man to beat at Del Mar since 2021.
“It felt great,” Hernandez said. “You always feel good when you win a race, but to win six in one day—it’s unbelievable. I thought I could win a couple today, but six? That’s something special.”
Hernandez’s Historic Day
Hernandez’s winning spree began in Race 2 aboard Bottle of Rouge and continued with victories in Race 4’s G3 Best Pal on Desert Gate. He then swept Races 6 through 9, including a standout performance in the G2 Yellow Ribbon with Heredia. Three of his wins came for trainer Bob Baffert, further strengthening their formidable partnership.
The six-win feat puts Hernandez alongside legendary company at Del Mar, joining names like Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay Jr., and Flavien Prat. The track record of seven wins—held by Victor Espinoza (2006) and Drayden Van Dyke (2018)—was almost within reach.
Pacific Classic 2025 Countdown
With less than three weeks to the G1 Pacific Classic, anticipation is mounting. The mile-and-a-quarter race, offering a $1 million purse and a “Win and You’re In” spot for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is shaping up with some high-profile potential contenders.
Bob Baffert has confirmed Nysos, winner of the G2 San Diego Handicap, will line up, with stablemate Mirahmadi a possible addition. Other likely runners include John Shirreffs’ veteran Express Train and colt Baeza, 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio, and Mark Glatt’s duo Judge Miller and Ultimate Gamble.
Speculation continues over Journalism, Michael McCarthy’s Preakness winner, as connections weigh a Pacific Classic start against a run in the Travers at Saratoga.
Stakes Action Ahead
Next weekend brings a trio of major stakes:
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CTT and TOC Stakes (Friday) – A turf test for fillies and mares.
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G1 Del Mar Oaks (Saturday) – Headlined by San Clemente winner Thought Process.
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Solana Beach Stakes (Sunday) – For Cal-bred fillies and mares.
Baffert’s Tenma, San Clemente runner-up Casalu, and third-place finisher Will Then are among the Del Mar Oaks nominees.
Pincay Award Presentation
Longtime owner and racing figure Mike Pegram will be honored with the 2025 Pincay Award before Sunday’s third race, recognizing his decades of dedication to the sport.
Looking Ahead
While Saturday’s six-win performance from Juan Hernandez was the talk of the track, the jockey remains focused. He was back at Del Mar early Sunday morning to work key horses, including Sweet Azteca and Queen Maxima.
With the Pacific Classic fast approaching, Hernandez’s form and drive could make him a major factor not just in the jockey standings but in shaping the outcomes of Del Mar’s biggest races.
Read our Del Mar Pacific Classic 2024 Recap for last year’s highlights.
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