Trainer Mike McCarthy stood quietly outside Barn 54 on Friday morning, watching Journalism stretch his legs beneath the soft haze of Del Mar’s coastal fog. The dual Grade 1 winner and Preakness hero headlines the list of 10 nominees for next Saturday’s G1 Pacific Classic, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The decision on whether Journalism will run in the Pacific Classic or wait for another target lies in the hands of McCarthy and primary owner Aron Wellman, who plan to make the call after the colt’s scheduled workout on Saturday morning.
Pacific Classic 2025 Nominations Close with Journalism in Spotlight
With nominations officially closed for the 34th running of the Pacific Classic, anticipation is building ahead of the August 30 feature. Alongside Journalism, Fierceness — last year’s G1 Travers Stakes winner — also headlines the list but remains unconfirmed, with connections debating between Del Mar and the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga on August 31.
Owner Mike Repole even turned to social media for help, asking fans whether Fierceness should head west or stay in New York. Del Mar’s official account cheekily replied with a picture of the beach, a nod to the track’s iconic setting.
Probable starters for the Pacific Classic 2025 include:
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Nysos
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Mirahmadi
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Midnight Mammoth
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Tarantino
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Indispensable (John Sadler)
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Ultimate Gamble (Mark Glatt)
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Lure Him In (Sam Wilensky)
Also among the nominees is Baeza, runner-up in the G2 Jim Dandy and a consistent performer across the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. However, trainer John Shirreffs is expected to bypass Del Mar and instead target the G1 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on September 20.
Notably absent from the list is White Abarrio, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic champion. Initially considered for Del Mar, his connections — led by trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. — opted instead to remain on the East Coast and focus on the Gold Cup.
Final entries for the Pacific Classic will be drawn Tuesday morning, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated races on the road to the Breeders’ Cup.
Foggy Morning Adds Intrigue to Del Mar Workouts
Friday morning’s training session carried a hint of mystery as a dense marine layer rolled in from the Pacific, leaving clockers struggling to get clear workout times. Horses appeared like shadows, briefly visible before vanishing into the mist, creating challenges for trainers finalizing Pacific Classic preparations.
Trainer Tim Yakteen sent Johannes for a light gallop despite limited visibility, while Peter Miller relied on his exercise riders’ stopwatches for unofficial splits. By mid-morning, the fog lifted, allowing workouts to resume at full pace ahead of next week’s entry draw.
For more information and official updates on the Pacific Classic 2025 and other Del Mar events, visit the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club website.
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