There was a noticeable buzz around the Del Mar racing office on Thursday evening. Just as the sun dipped below the Pacific, Todd Pletcher’s team quietly filed an unexpected late nomination for Fierceness in the $1 million Pacific Classic — and the entire racing world took notice.
Inside Pletcher’s Saratoga barn, stablehands were all smiles. “We’ve been toying with the idea for weeks,” one assistant revealed. “Fierceness is training like a horse who belongs on a big stage.” Fans at Del Mar, already primed for next weekend’s racing carnival, are bracing for what could turn into one of the strongest renewals of the seaside showpiece in years.
A Surprise Twist in Pacific Classic Week
The nomination of Fierceness — the 2024 Travers Stakes hero and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner — changes the complexion of the August 30 feature. Originally, the plan had been to keep him apart from stablemate Mindframe, winner of the G1 Stephen Foster, until the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar in November. But strategy shifted.
Mindframe will stick to the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga on August 31, leaving Fierceness free to head west. The Pacific Classic’s status as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic only sweetens the decision.
Pletcher has kept his cards close but gave away a subtle hint last weekend when Fierceness clocked a sharp :47.66 for four furlongs at Saratoga. “He’s thriving,” Pletcher said in passing. “We want options.”
Fierceness: From Star Juvenile to Redemption Story
Fierceness burst onto the national stage at Santa Anita, winning the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, before adding the G1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park the following spring. But the Kentucky Derby was a disaster — finishing 15th — forcing Pletcher to regroup.
Redemption came swiftly. Fierceness stormed to victory in the G2 Jim Dandy and G1 Travers, proving his class against the country’s top three-year-olds. Since then, the road has been mixed:
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2nd to Sierra Leone in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar
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Won the G2 Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs
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2nd in the G1 Met Mile
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4th in the G1 Whitney earlier this month
Now, Del Mar beckons — a track where his power and speed could collide beautifully with its sweeping layout. Still, this is only a nomination, not an entry, but Pletcher’s late move speaks volumes. Final declarations will be made Tuesday.
Nysos Sharpens Up for Baffert
While Fierceness hogs headlines, Bob Baffert’s powerhouse Nysos continued preparations on Thursday, blazing five furlongs in :58.80 at Del Mar. “He went very well,” Baffert said, hinting at a lighter breeze next week. With Nysos, Fierceness, and a competitive undercard shaping up, the Pacific Classic 2025 is looking deeper by the day.
Del Mar Sets Record Purses for Pacific Classic Day
Del Mar officials confirmed that next Saturday’s program will feature record-breaking purses totaling $2,374,000 — over $100,000 more than the 2023 edition. Racing secretary David Jerkens credited a 10% purse boost this summer and enhancements to the Maiden Dirt Bonus, now inflating some maiden purses to $100,000.
Among the supporting stakes on Pacific Classic Day:
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G2 Del Mar Handicap — $300,000
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G2 Del Mar Mile — $300,000
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G3 Green Flash Handicap — $150,000
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G3 Torrey Pines Stakes — $150,000
Nominations for all these close tonight at midnight, adding another layer of anticipation.
Fresu vs. Hernandez: Del Mar Jockeys’ Title Battle Intensifies
While all eyes are on the Classic, the Del Mar jockeys’ title remains wide open. Juan Hernandez leads with 29 wins, but Antonio Fresu — sitting on 21 victories despite a remarkable 24 runner-up finishes — isn’t giving up.
“Second place isn’t where I want to be,” Fresu admitted. “There’s still time.” With three weeks left, Hernandez’s eight-win cushion looks solid but not unassailable.
Looking Ahead: A Classic in the Making
For now, all eyes are on Pletcher’s final decision. If Fierceness lines up on August 30, the Pacific Classic 2025 could deliver one of its most compelling editions in years, with championship implications stretching all the way to the Breeders’ Cup Classic back at Del Mar this November.
“Bringing Fierceness here makes sense,” one Del Mar insider observed. “This track has seen history before — it might see it again.”
Read the full story and get detailed coverage on RaceBuzz.
For official race schedules, nominations, and updates, visit Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
