Bob Baffert leaned back against the rail, eyes fixed on the deep blue stretch of turf as Flavien Prat swung a leg over Nysos during Friday’s schooling session. There was no fist pump, no grand declaration — just a knowing nod. “It’s a strong race,” Baffert said softly, almost to himself. “You’ve got Journalism. You’ve got Fierceness. Anything can happen.”
The 35th running of the $1-million G1 Pacific Classic is set for Saturday at Del Mar, and while the entries boast depth, intrigue, and stardust, the morning line has spoken: Nysos, drawn in post four and partnered with Prat, has been installed the 8/5 favorite, narrowly edging Preakness and Haskell hero Journalism at 9/5.
High Stakes, High Drama at Del Mar
The Pacific Classic has a way of rewriting narratives, and this year’s edition has all the makings of a thriller. Eight contenders line up for glory, but the headlines belong to three stars: Nysos, Journalism, and Fierceness.
Journalism, the son of Curlin who has danced every major dance this season, only confirmed his participation last Sunday after weeks of deliberation. Primary owner Aron Wellman admitted the decision wasn’t easy.
“All signs for the last few weeks pointed here,” Wellman explained. “With partnerships, you want everyone aligned — trainers, owners, the whole team. Thankfully, we’ve all been on the same page, and the horse has been telling us he’s ready.”
That readiness will be tested against Nysos, whose effortless cruising speed has dazzled all season. Prat flies in from New York to reunite with the son of Nyquist, hoping to deliver Baffert a record-breaking victory in Del Mar’s signature race.
Fierceness, Longshots, and Intrigue
Fierceness, the Saratoga sensation, makes the cross-country trip for Hall of Famer John Velazquez, drawing the rail and entering at 3-1. Velazquez, fresh from a Saratoga meet in top form, brushed off any concerns about the inside draw. “At a mile and a quarter, you’ve got plenty of time to get comfortable,” he said.
Beyond the “big three,” Midnight Mammoth at 12-1 is attracting whispers around the backside. Trained at Los Alamitos using what Craig Dollase calls the “California Chrome approach,” he’ll break from post two under Armando Ayuso.
Three others — Ultimate Gamble, Lure Him In, and Tarantino — enter at long odds but bring seasoned connections. “The big three are upper echelon,” admitted Sam Wilensky, trainer of Lure Him In, “but in a race like this, anything can happen. Even picking up a slice of the purse is huge.”
Pacific Classic Stakes Day: Five Graded Races
Saturday’s card isn’t just about the Classic — it’s a stakes-laden festival. Among the highlights:
Gold Phoenix Chases History in G2 Del Mar Handicap
Three-time winner Gold Phoenix returns, aiming for an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the G2 Del Mar Handicap. Trainer Phil D’Amato remains cautious but confident: “This horse has given us everything. It takes a total team effort — riders, grooms, everyone.”
Formidable Man Unbeaten on Turf at Del Mar
In the G2 Del Mar Mile, crowd favorite Formidable Man seeks to extend his flawless five-for-five turf record at Del Mar. Trainer Michael McCarthy credits the horse’s mental toughness and sees this as a potential stepping stone toward the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Eyes on Nysos in a Pacific Classic for the Ages
With a million dollars on the line and Breeders’ Cup implications looming, the 35th Pacific Classic promises fireworks. Nysos’ connections will hope his speed holds, but Journalism’s grit and Fierceness’ stamina set the stage for a battle that could come down to the final strides.
Race 10 goes off at 6:00 PM PT. Whatever happens, Saturday at Del Mar promises to leave racing fans breathless.
For the full coverage, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
For more details on the event and race day schedule, visit the official Del Mar Thoroughbred Club website.
