Journalism, Nysos Impress in Del Mar Works Ahead of Pacific Classic 2025
Two top contenders for the 34th running of the Pacific Classic 2025 sharpened their form on Saturday morning at Del Mar, leaving their trainers satisfied with the progress just two weeks before the $1 million Grade 1 showcase. Journalism and Nysos, both rising stars in the older horse division, signaled they are on track for major campaigns later this summer and fall.
Journalism Preps for Key Decision
Journalism, winner of last month’s Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, logged a crisp four-furlong drill in :48.00, improving slightly from his previous workout. Trainer Michael McCarthy noted the consistency and energy of the colt, a son of Curlin.
“He worked very well,” McCarthy said. “He got into a nice rhythm and showed good energy throughout. We had a horse keeping him honest, and he delivered exactly what we wanted.”
Ownership echoed the confidence. Primary owner Aron Wellman added, “The gallop-out is his best weapon. The farther he goes, the better he gets. We’re just dialing him up at the right time.”
Jockey Umberto Rispoli described the move as “very good” and business as usual, further underscoring the colt’s steady preparation.
While the work was encouraging, connections remain undecided about Journalism’s immediate plans—whether to contest the Pacific Classic, ship east for the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, or wait for a fall campaign leading into the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.
Nysos Shows Power in Longer Work
Just before Journalism, Nysos, a son of Nyquist, clocked a strong seven-furlong move in 1:24.60. Trained by Bob Baffert, the colt surged smoothly out of the chute, picking up a stablemate along the way.
“He’s getting closer,” Baffert said. “I wanted a strong work out of him, and that’s what we got. He’ll benefit greatly from that effort.”
Nysos has been firmly pointed toward the Pacific Classic since winning the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap last month, and Saturday’s drill suggests he will be peaking at the right moment.
Tyler Gaffalione Returns to Del Mar
The weekend also brought a major riding attraction, as Tyler Gaffalione, one of America’s top jockeys, returned to Del Mar for the first time since last fall’s Breeders’ Cup. With six mounts scheduled on Saturday, his main target is Lush Lips in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks for trainer Brendan Walsh.
“I try to come every year,” Gaffalione said. “Del Mar is one of my favorite racetracks—the turf is excellent, the dirt is fair, and the atmosphere is amazing.”
The 2019 Preakness Stakes winner and 2015 Eclipse Award champion has enjoyed a stellar career, though 2024 was interrupted by a broken ankle. Back in form, Gaffalione recently posted a six-win day at Ellis Park and is looking to add a Del Mar Oaks trophy to his résumé.
Grand Slam Smile Headlines Solana Beach
California-bred champion Grand Slam Smile looks to reassert her dominance in Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes, a one-mile turf test. The versatile daughter of Smiling Tiger enters off a runner-up finish in the Osunitas Stakes, and trainer Sean McCarthy is confident in her condition.
“She can sprint, she can route, dirt or turf—it’s a privilege to train one like her,” McCarthy said.
Her main threats include last year’s winner Moment’s Pleasure, Santa Anita stakes heroine Prancingthruparis, and the speedy Sneaker, who wired the field in the Fran’s Valentine.
Del Mar Extends Beyond the Track
The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) hosted their annual awards at Del Mar on Saturday morning, recognizing leaders such as Hronis Racing, J. Paul Reddam, and the partnership Great Friends Stables. Meanwhile, fans saw notable performances from trainer Andy Mathis, jockey Hector I. Berrios, and a series of sharp workouts from names like Express Train and Citizen Bull.
Read more updates and race previews on RaceBuzz Horse Racing News.
For official race schedules and updates, visit the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
