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Journalism (rail) works in company at Del Mar. (Zoe Metz/Del Mar)
Past the Wire Staff
A palpable buzz is already surrounding the upcoming Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Saturday, August 30th. The prestigious $1 million race, a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event for the Classic, is shaping up to be a compelling contest with a mix of established stars and rising talents. The anticipation has only intensified with the news that highly regarded Fierceness, is being pointed towards the race, adding another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating field. His presence would bring a significant new dimension to the West Coast’s premier summer race for older horses. Owner Mike Repole was quoted as saying that if flights and schedules remain the same Fierceness would head west.
Clash of Three-Year-Old Titans on the Breeders’ Cup Stage Later This Year
Among the compelling storylines is the potential showdown between top three-year-olds testing their mettle against older competition in the Breeders’ Cup Classic later this year. Journalism, the gritty winner of the Preakness and Haskell Stakes, brings valuable experience over the Del Mar surface, having broken his maiden here as a juvenile. This early exposure to the track and also being a California based horse could prove to be a significant advantage. Now he will get a race over the surface against the top older horses at the distance and over the track where the Classic will be run. In contrast, the highly regarded Sovereignty, while boasting an impressive resume that includes a Kentucky Derby victory, a Belmont Stakes victory and most recently a Travers Stakes victory has yet to race at the seaside oval or against older foes. Sovereignty’s next race is not etched in stone and trainer Bill Mott could possibly head straight to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Although he has yet to race older competition the three-year-old championship now sits in Sovereignty’s court and Journalism will have to take it from him. A win in The Pacific Classic will set that showdown up nicely.
Nysos Looms as a Formidable Force
Meanwhile, Nysos continues to build a reputation as a major player in the division with each impressive performance. The powerful colt has been a dominant force in his recent starts, showcasing a potent combination of speed and stamina. His commanding victory in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar was a clear statement of his affinity for the track and his readiness to tackle the best in the country. With each start, Nysos appears to be reaching his peak form, and his commanding presence in the Pacific Classic field will undoubtedly make him a horse to watch. Nysos appears to be delivering on the potential he always showed for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert with only the mile and a quarter distance of the Pacific Classic being a question. Interestingly enough, if the distance of the Pacific Classic proved to be further than Nysos wants to race, he can always cut back to the Breeders’ Cup Mile or Sprint. He looks like a contender in all three races.
Probables for the Pacific Classic: Nysos, Journalism, Fierceness, Mirahmadi, Midnight Mammoth and Tarantino. Also possible are Indispensable, Ultimate Gamble, and Lure Him In. Baeza looks like he will head to the Pennsylvania Derby.
The convergence of these talented runners promises a Pacific Classic that will be a key indicator for championship honors later in the fall.
