There was a ripple of applause, followed by a few knowing smiles, as the draw for the Pacific Classic 2025 was revealed on Tuesday afternoon at The Brigantine Restaurant overlooking Del Mar. When the name of Nysos came up in Post 4, trainer Bob Baffert leaned across the table and shared a quiet word with rider Flavien Prat—then broke into a grin. Moments later, Michael McCarthy offered a nod to his jockey Umberto Rispoli, while Todd Pletcher, ever the steady hand, spoke of confidence in Fierceness from the rail.
For those watching, the human touches framed the anticipation: three of the nation’s top horses set to clash in Del Mar’s premier race, the $1 million, Grade I Pacific Classic, on Saturday evening. The atmosphere around the seaside track is already charged, with fans expecting a contest worthy of the occasion.
Pacific Classic 2025 promises showdown of the “Big Three”
The 35th renewal of the Pacific Classic brings together a field of eight, but all eyes will be on the trio who have dominated conversation throughout the summer. Nysos, Baffert’s powerhouse, will break from Post 4 with Prat aboard and opens as the slight favorite on the morning line at 8/5.
Journalism, flying the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners colors, is drawn in Post 6 and rated at 9/5, with McCarthy entrusting the ride to Rispoli. Fierceness, the Kentucky Derby hero earlier in the year, finds himself on the rail in Post 1 under the veteran John Velazquez at 3-1.
Del Mar’s line maker John Lies admitted the decision wasn’t easy, but settled on a tight spread that reflects just how close the battle could be.
Full field for the Pacific Classic
The Pacific Classic headlines a packed 11-race Saturday program, with five graded stakes in total. The mile-and-a-quarter feature is set to go as Race 10 at approximately 6 p.m., following a 1:30 p.m. first post.
Here’s the complete field in post position order with jockeys and morning line odds:
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Fierceness – John R. Velazquez – 3-1
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Midnight Mammoth – Armando Ayuso – 12-1
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Ultimate Gamble – Kazushi Kimura – 20-1
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Nysos – Flavien Prat – 8-5
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Indispensable – Paco Lopez – 15-1
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Journalism – Umberto Rispoli – 9-5
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Lure Him In – Edwin Gonzalez – 20-1
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Tarantino – Edwin Maldonado – 20-1
The Pacific Classic has long stood as the jewel of Del Mar’s summer meeting, and this year’s renewal carries a weight of expectation. With three genuine stars converging, the race is seen by many as a measuring stick for championship honors as the season heads toward its autumn climax. The supporting cast—ranging from Midnight Mammoth’s durability to the outsider’s flair of Ultimate Gamble—will aim to spoil the script.
Whatever the outcome, Saturday’s Classic promises drama, spectacle, and perhaps a decisive moment in the story of 2025’s leading older horse.
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