The 2025 Pacific Classic Stakes is here, and all eyes are on the superstar three-year-old, Journalism. US Racing handicappers can tell you that this weekend's race is shaping up to be a can't-miss event. The $1 million Grade 1 contest, a key "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic, takes place at the picturesque Del Mar Racetrack in Southern California.
The post time is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 30, making it the perfect capstone to a day of thrilling racing. The forecast for the day calls for a beautiful, sunny day, and the track will be fast. For those looking for the latest information, make sure to check out the real-time Pacific Classic odds.
The connections of Journalism made a bold and brilliant move by pointing him to the Pacific Classic, a race where he will face older, more seasoned competitors for the first time. The decision to enter a sophomore in a race against older horses is a big statement, and it shows the supreme confidence trainer Michael McCarthy and the ownership group have in this bay colt.
This is a massive opportunity for Journalism to cement his place as the best three-year-old in the country and a legitimate threat to win the Breeders' Cup Classic. With a morning-line price of 9/5, he is the second betting choice, a testament to his talent and the respect he commands. If you are looking to place your bets, the Pacific Classic betting markets are now open, offering a variety of wagering options to suit your style.
Journalism's remarkable 2025 campaign is a story of grit, determination, and raw talent. He started the year with a decisive victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, where he earned a career-high 110 Beyer Speed Figure. He followed that up with another Grade 1 win in the Santa Anita Derby, sealing his spot in the Kentucky Derby.
At Churchill Downs, he ran a valiant second to the impressive Sovereignty, proving his stamina and class over the demanding 1 1/4-mile distance. Two weeks later, he bounced back to win the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico by a half-length, showcasing his remarkable resilience.
His most recent victory came in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 19, where he again demonstrated his ability to finish strongly. With $3,798,880 in earnings this year alone, Journalism has put together an incredible record of four wins and two seconds in six starts. This includes three Grade 1 victories and a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby. His journey from a promising three-year-old to a major contender is a compelling narrative that has captured the attention of the racing world. Fans can bet on the Pacific Classic and watch him make history.
The Pacific Classic field is small but incredibly talented, and Journalism faces a formidable challenge from a few key rivals. The morning-line favorite is the seven-time Pacific Classic-winning trainer Bob Baffert's Nysos, a talented three-year-old who has dominated the California circuit. Nysos, at 8/5 odds, has a nearly perfect record, with his only loss coming in the Churchill Downs Stakes in May.
He has won two straight races, including a victory in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, and he's a formidable opponent with a high-cruising speed and the home-field advantage. His jockey, Flavien Prat, is a master of the Del Mar track and has a history of winning big races. The race could turn into a two-horse showdown between Journalism and Nysos.
Another significant contender is Fierceness, the 2023 Eclipse champion two-year-old colt. Fierceness, at 3/1 odds, comes to Del Mar after a challenging campaign on the East Coast. He started the year with a bang, winning the Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs, but his form has since dipped with a second in the Metropolitan Handicap and a fifth in the Whitney Stakes.
His talent is undeniable, however, and his second-place finish in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar gives him valuable experience over this very course and distance. A return to a track where he performed so well could be exactly what he needs to get back to his winning ways. The addition of Fierceness makes this a three-way battle among the top contenders, adding to the excitement and making the Pacific Classic betting opportunities even more attractive.
The rest of the field is a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming horses. Ultimate Gamble, at 20/1, is a five-year-old making his first stakes start. Midnight Mammoth, at 12/1, is a six-year-old with a strong record of hitting the board, but he faces a major class test here. Lure Him In and Tarantino, both at 20/1, are older geldings with extensive racing histories, but they are longshots in this field. Indispensable, at 15/1, is another longshot that could spice up the exotic bets. The Pacific Classic odds reflect the respect for the top three horses, but the longshots provide excellent value for those willing to take a risk.
The tactical battle in this race will be fascinating to watch. Nysos and Fierceness both like to be near the front, and they will likely set a solid pace. This could play right into the hands of Journalism, who is a versatile runner that can sit just off the pace and make his move in the stretch. Jockey Umberto Rispoli will need to judge the pace perfectly and position Journalism to get the first run on his rivals.
He cannot afford to get boxed in, and he will need to find clear running room when it's time to unleash his powerful closing kick. With the small field, a clean trip is more likely, but the pressure will be on to make the right move at the right time. This is a game of inches, and the Pacific Classic betting markets will shift and change as the race unfolds.
With the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar just a few months away, this year’s Pacific Classic serves as a crucial prep race and a major indicator of future success. Journalism has a chance to prove that he is not just the best of his generation but also a legitimate threat to the best older horses in the country.
A win here would elevate his status even further and make him a deserving favorite for the end-of-the-year championship race. For fans and bettors, this is a must-watch event that promises high-stakes drama and a thrilling finish. Do not miss your chance to be a part of the action.
The Pacific Classic is more than just a race; it's a spectacle, a gathering of the best talent in the sport. From the beautiful Del Mar setting to the high-stakes competition, every aspect of this day is designed for excitement. The showdown between Journalism, Nysos, and Fierceness is a race for the ages, a battle for supremacy that will be talked about for years to come. This is your chance to get in on the action and feel the thrill of a major race day. Don't just watch from the sidelines. Get your entries in and join the excitement. Stay tuned to US Racing for the best Pacific Classic odds, expert analysis, and a seamless wagering experience. Your next big win could be just one click away.
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.
