On the West Coast in San Diego, the Del Mar Racetrack is preparing for one of its biggest races of 2026. August is a big month for horse racing in the United States, but it is headlined by the Pacific Classic Stakes.
The Grade 1, 1 ¼-mile race boasts a $1,000,000 prize for the winner, but it is equally sought after because the Classic is one of six “Win and You’re In” races at Del Mar. The victor will subsequently be entered into October’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, with further glory potentially lying in store.
Slowly, the field for the race is starting to take shape for the August 22 event, with bettors reviewing past performances in search of potential winners. Those looking to place wagers on the race can use this sports betting platform recommended by Vegas Insider, with markets poised to become more active in the coming weeks.
No entries have been confirmed yet, but reports are already being published regarding who is targeting the Pacific at the end of summer. From supposed favorites to rising stars, it certainly seems as though this year’s race will be a thriller.
Bob Baffert hoping Nysos can earn him eighth win
No trainer has been more successful in the Pacific Classic than Bob Baffert. Since winning the race for the first time in 1999, he has racked up six more wins, and is now targeting an eighth with Nysos.
The five-year-old has won eight of his 10 races, finishing second in the remaining two, and that includes an undefeated record at Del Mar from three starts. He certainly appears to be the clear favorite, but there are some unanswered questions over how Nysos might fare over the Pacific’s distance – the longest event he has run in was the Saudi Cup in Riyadh, where he finished behind Forever Young after 1 ⅛ miles.
Will Knightsbridge get better of Nysos after Metropolitan Handicap defeat?
While perhaps not as consistent as Nysos, Knightsbridge has still impressed in 2026. Bill Mott’s horse has won three of the five races he has entered this calendar year, while finishing second at Saratoga in the Metropolitan Handicap.
Once again, there are questions regarding how Knightsbridge might fare over the distance, but his recent performance in the Monmouth Cup, where the five-year-old won by 10 ¼ lengths, suggests that he has plenty left in the tank. Del Mar’s Pacific Classic could therefore be a heavyweight clash between Baffert and Mott, and potentially a sign of things to come in the future.
Potential wildcards in the mix
Outside of Nysos and Knightsbridge, there are still a few potential contenders who look set to race at the end of August. Saffie A Joseph Jr’s Forged Steel had looked impressive at Tampa Bay and Oaklawn Park, winning both before emerging victorious at the Hollywood Gold Cup. With that race also run over 1 ¼ miles, the four-year-old colt has what it takes to win at Del Mar.
One of the more unknown possible entrants is Finger, the Japanese Stakes winner. His record so far has been impressive, with four wins and four seconds from eight starts, as trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka looks to secure a victory that will earn his horse a place in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
