Del Mar is about to explode with the kind of drama Hollywood can only dream of. The stage is set for the Pacific Classic, a race that promises not just a battle of equine titans but a clash of two of the most polarizing and potent trainers in the business: Bob Baffert and Michael McCarthy.
As the morning-line odds confirm, this isn’t just another Grade 1 race; it's a high-stakes, high-octane showdown that has the racing world buzzing. With a field featuring some of the best horses in North America, the Pacific Classic odds are shifting with every workout and every rumor.
The savvy bettor knows that understanding this human element is just as critical as analyzing the horses' past performances. For those who live and breathe the sport, this is more than a race—it’s a duel. So, as you prepare your wagers and study the Pacific Classic betting charts, remember the real story is in the barns, in the egos, and in the history between these two masters of their craft.
The anticipation is palpable, with whispers from the backstretch painting a picture of intense rivalry. This isn't just about winning a million-dollar purse; it's about bragging rights and asserting dominance on the West Coast.
Baffert, the unapologetic kingpin, with a reputation as big as his ego, faces a serious threat from the quiet but equally determined McCarthy. The narrative is perfect: the established legend versus the rising star. As we dive into the details of the horses, the jockeys, and the drama, you'll see why the best way to get in on the action and seize the opportunity is to bet on the Pacific Classic. The narratives, the performances, and the personalities all combine to create a perfect storm of a race that you absolutely cannot afford to miss. This is the moment to prepare your account, as the action is about to begin.
Bob Baffert’s name is synonymous with Del Mar and the Pacific Classic. He has won this race a record seven times, and his presence alone elevates the stakes. This year, his horse, Nysos, arrives as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Nysos is not just another Baffert horse; he is a statement. A four-year-old colt by Nyquist, Nysos has compiled an almost flawless record with five wins from six career starts. Baffert has masterfully managed this horse's career, strategically placing him in races that build his confidence and prepare him for a moment just like this.
Nysos’s 2025 campaign began with a thrilling dead-heat for second behind the highly-touted Mindframe in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes. He then followed that up with a decisive victory in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap right here at Del Mar on July 26. This local win demonstrated his comfort on the track and confirmed his fitness for the longer distance.
Baffert's selection of jockey Flavien Prat for Nysos is a masterstroke. Prat, one of the most respected riders in the world, has a history of success in big races and a deep understanding of how to win at Del Mar. The chemistry between a trainer and jockey is a silent, but deadly, weapon, and the Baffert-Prat tandem is formidable.
Prat will fly in from New York to take the mount, a testament to the high expectations surrounding Nysos. Their combined tactical speed and powerful closing kick make Nysos a dangerous contender, and their presence at the Pacific Classic betting window has been driving the odds ever since the entries were announced. The betting public has spoken, and they believe in Baffert’s ability to prepare a horse for this moment better than anyone.
While Baffert has been building his Del Mar dynasty, Michael McCarthy has been quietly, and effectively, creating his own powerhouse. McCarthy is a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher and has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, particularly with his success in California. This year, his star pupil is Journalism, a son of the legendary Curlin who has captured the imagination of the racing world. Journalism arrives at the Pacific Classic as the 9-5 second choice on the morning line, a testament to his incredible 2025 campaign. He’s had a remarkable year, capturing two legs of the Triple Crown—the Preakness Stakes and the Haskell Stakes—before tackling this new challenge.
McCarthy’s training style is often described as meticulous and patient, a direct contrast to the bombastic image Baffert projects. He has expertly managed Journalism's demanding travel schedule, and the colt is now getting the chance to run out of his own stall at Del Mar. This "home-field" advantage could prove crucial. The bond between McCarthy and his jockey, Umberto Rispoli, is another key factor. Rispoli has been Journalism's regular rider throughout his career, and their rapport is evident in their smooth, confident performances. Rispoli’s ride on Journalism in the Preakness was a thing of beauty, a perfectly timed rally that saw him surge past his rivals in the stretch. This partnership provides a formidable challenge to Baffert’s dominance and adds a captivating layer to the Pacific Classic betting landscape.
The horse racing world loves a good rivalry, and the Baffert-McCarthy dynamic provides all the necessary ingredients. At the same time, there might not be any public shouting matches, but a deep-seated professional friction exists, rooted in past encounters and clashing personalities.
The rivalry truly gained traction in late 2024 when McCarthy’s Journalism defeated a highly-touted trio of Baffert-trained horses in the Los Alamitos Futurity. This was not just a win; it was a statement. Baffert had won eight of the last ten runnings of the race since its move to Los Alamitos, making McCarthy’s victory a symbolic act of defiance. The win gave Journalism valuable Kentucky Derby points, further cementing his place as a top contender and a direct rival to Baffert's best.
McCarthy’s victory over Baffert’s trio—Gaming, Getaway Car, and Mellencamp—was a turning point. It signaled that a new player had arrived on the California scene who wasn’t afraid to take on the Baffert machine. The Los Alamitos Futurity, a traditional stronghold for Baffert, was breached. While Baffert's public comments are always respectful, the sting of that defeat undoubtedly lingers.
Now, with Nysos and Journalism facing off again, the rivalry has a new, even bigger stage. This is a battle not just for a Grade 1 title, but for supremacy. The outcome will shape the narrative of the 2025 season and could have a lasting impact on how the racing world views both men. The drama is real, and it’s a key reason why the Pacific Classic odds have captured the attention of bettors worldwide.
Nysos represents the quintessential Baffert trainee. He’s a horse bred for success, with a strong pedigree and a robust, athletic frame. Baffert has patiently managed his career, bringing him along slowly as a two-year-old and into his four-year-old season.
After his impressive win in the San Diego Handicap, Nysos appears to be peaking at the perfect time. His performance was a showcase of his versatility. He sat a stalking trip before launching a decisive move in the stretch, demonstrating both speed and stamina. This is precisely the kind of performance that a horse needs to deliver to be considered a legitimate contender for the Pacific Classic.
The decision to skip the Triple Crown races was a calculated risk that has paid off. Nysos is fresh and ready to fire, while some of his rivals may be feeling the effects of a long and grueling campaign. Baffert’s comments after the post-position draw were respectful, but he exuded a quiet confidence. He knows what he has in Nysos, and he knows what it takes to win at Del Mar. The horse’s recent workouts have been nothing short of spectacular, further fueling the hype and solidifying his status as the horse to beat. For those looking at the Pacific Classic betting options, Nysos is the logical favorite for good reason. His form is impeccable, his trainer is a legend, and his jockey is one of the best in the business.
Journalism’s journey to the Pacific Classic has been a captivating one. As a son of Curlin, he possesses the stamina and determination of his sire. After his breakout win in the Los Alamitos Futurity, he continued to impress, capturing the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico and the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. His Preakness win was particularly notable, as he defeated a strong field with a relentless late-running surge. His Haskell win solidified his status as one of the best three-year-olds in the country. Now, he faces his most formidable challenge yet: a field of older horses, a new distance, and the formidable Nysos.
Trainer Michael McCarthy’s management of Journalism has been flawless. He has carefully navigated the Triple Crown trail and subsequent races, ensuring the horse remains healthy and sharp. The decision to bring Journalism to the Pacific Classic instead of waiting for a different race shows the connections' confidence in their horse's ability. The colt’s recent works at Del Mar have been encouraging, and he appears to have settled in well. The dynamic between McCarthy and jockey Umberto Rispoli is a key asset. Rispoli’s patient and powerful riding style perfectly complements Journalism's late-running tactics.
The betting public has rallied behind Journalism, and the Pacific Classic odds reflect the high level of respect he commands. A win here would not only be a massive victory for his connections but also firmly establish McCarthy as a trainer who can compete with the best, including Baffert.
In a race with this much on the line, the role of the jockey becomes even more critical. Bob Baffert’s choice of Flavien Prat for Nysos is a clear indication of his intent. Prat has a near-telepathic connection with his mounts and possesses an uncanny ability to navigate traffic and find the winning path. His partnership with Baffert has been a successful one, and he knows exactly what it takes to win major races on the West Coast. Prat’s aggressive style and powerful finish make him the perfect rider for a tactical runner like Nysos. His ability to time a move to perfection could be the difference between winning and losing.
On the other side, Umberto Rispoli has formed a special bond with Journalism. Rispoli, a European-born jockey who has achieved great success in America, is known for his calm demeanor and patience. He understands Journalism’s running style and knows when to ask him for his best. The fact that the connections have kept him on the horse for every major start speaks volumes about the trust they have in him. This jockey duel is a microcosm of the trainer showdown.
It’s the seasoned veteran with a history of Baffert wins versus the rising star with a new partnership that is rewriting the script. How each jockey navigates the first turn and positions their horse for the stretch run will be a key storyline to watch. For those analyzing the Pacific Classic odds, understanding the jockeys is as essential as any other factor.
When you examine the Pacific Classic betting options, the narrative is clear: Nysos and Journalism dominate the conversation. However, the field is not just a two-horse race. With other legitimate contenders like Fierceness and Indispensable in the mix, this race is a handicapper's dream. Fierceness, a Grade 1 winner, brings a different dimension to the race with his front-running style, while Indispensable, trained by four-time Pacific Classic winner John Sadler, adds another layer of intrigue. The presence of these runners means the pace will be honest, which could set the stage for a dramatic late-running finish from either Nysos or Journalism.
The race will likely unfold with Fierceness on or near the lead, with Nysos stalking just behind. Journalism, a confirmed closer, will be positioned further back, waiting for his cue. The key will be the pace. If Fierceness is allowed to get away with easy fractions, it could be tough to catch him. However, if the early fractions are hot, it will favor the closers. This is where the strategic genius of Baffert and McCarthy comes into play. Both trainers will have their horses perfectly prepared, and it will be up to their riders to execute the plan. The high-stakes nature of this race and the incredible talent on display make it a must-watch event and a prime opportunity to win big. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history.
The Pacific Classic is not just a race; it's a spectacle. It's a clash of legends, a battle of wills, and a showcase of some of the best equine talent in the world. The showdown between Bob Baffert and Michael McCarthy, two of the most brilliant minds in the sport, adds a layer of drama that makes this a can't-miss event. The betting public has chosen its favorites, but in horse racing, anything can happen. The only certainty is that the drama will be immense, and the payoff could be huge.
Are you ready to witness history and claim your share of the winnings? Don't just sit on the sidelines and watch. Now is the time to turn your passion into profit. Stay tuned to US Racing to get the most up-to-the-minute Pacific Classic odds, analyze the expert picks, and get ready for the most thrilling race of the summer. The gates are about to open, and destiny awaits.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
