The stage is set, the anticipation is electric, and the $1 million G1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar promises to deliver one of the most thrilling battles of the summer. Fans will finally witness the highly anticipated clash between Journalism, the Preakness and Haskell hero, Fierceness, last year’s Travers victor, and Bob Baffert’s unbeaten sensation, Nysos, in next Saturday’s 34th running of Del Mar’s marquee race.
When owner Aron Wellman walked Journalism off the training track on Saturday, he kissed the colt’s neck and whispered, “He’s looking for a fight — so we’re going to put him in the ring.” The words sent a ripple of excitement through the Del Mar backstretch, with journalists, trainers, and punters all knowing this Pacific Classic will be anything but ordinary.
Journalism Primed and Ready
Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism arrives at Del Mar with the confidence of a warrior. Fresh off his stunning victory in the G1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, the son of Curlin has been galloping with authority, clocking three sharp works over the past three Saturdays. McCarthy has kept the colt fresh yet razor-sharp, ensuring he peaks at precisely the right moment.
“His energy is perfect,” Wellman told Thoroughbred Los Angeles. “He came out of his last breeze bouncing, cleaned up his feed tub, and looks like he knows what’s coming. We’re going for it.”
Fierceness Heads West With Intent
Todd Pletcher’s Fierceness, a powerhouse son of City of Light, will ship west on Wednesday for his first Del Mar start since last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. The connections were strategic in choosing this path, using the Pacific Classic as a stepping stone to the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 1.
“He’s doing exceptionally well,” Pletcher said on Sunday. “We like the timing and the surface. Del Mar has been good to him, and this fits perfectly into his campaign.”
Pletcher also confirmed stablemate Mindframe will head to the Jockey Club Gold Cup, keeping the pair separated to maximize their Breeders’ Cup prep chances.
Nysos Looms as the Wild Card
If there’s a horse capable of shaking up the script, it’s Nysos, Bob Baffert’s lightning-fast son of Nyquist. The 4-year-old stunned in his G2 San Diego Handicap triumph last month, powering home with authority and stamping himself as one of the most dangerous closers in the division.
Baffert, who has won the Pacific Classic six times, is keeping his cards close to his chest, but insiders say Nysos has been working like a machine at Del Mar. He’s one neck away from being unbeaten in six career starts, his only defeat coming in a frantic four-way finish in the G1 Churchill Downs Stakes.
Indispensable Steps Up for Sadler
Adding another twist to the Pacific Classic drama is John Sadler’s Indispensable, a lightly raced 4-year-old who secured his spot after an impressive allowance win at Del Mar last month. Sadler has a history of taking calculated gambles in the Pacific Classic — he nearly upset the field last year with Full Serrano, who lost by just half a length.
“He runs his best here,” Sadler said. “Two wins and a second at Del Mar — he deserves his chance to prove himself at this level.”
Pacific Classic Day: A Festival of Racing
The Pacific Classic isn’t just a race — it’s the crown jewel of a blockbuster weekend at Del Mar. On Saturday, August 30, fans will be treated to 11 races, including five graded stakes and a record-setting $2.37 million in total purses. Among the highlights:
-
G3 Torrey Pines Stakes – A mile test for 3-year-old fillies
-
G3 Green Flash Handicap – Five-furlong turf sprint featuring defending champion Motorious
-
G2 Del Mar Mile – A “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Mile qualifier
-
G2 Del Mar Handicap – Gold Phoenix bids for a historic fourth consecutive win
And then comes the headliner — the G1 Pacific Classic, a “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. With Journalism, Fierceness, Nysos, and Indispensable leading a field of 10, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
For more updates, insights, and full racing coverage, Stay tuned to RaceBuzz.Â
To explore more about the Pacific Classic and other upcoming races, check the Del Mar Racetrack Official Website.
