A major contender is out of Saturday's $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar, as the morning-line favorite, Nysos, has been scratched due to a foot injury. Trainer Bob Baffert confirmed the issue to the Daily Racing Form's Brad Free. The 4-year-old Nyquist colt, a multiple graded stakes winner, was a commanding 8-5 morning-line favorite for the 1 1/4-mile race.
Owned by Baoma Corp., Nysos was in top form, having won the Triple Bend (G3) on May 31 at Santa Anita and the San Diego (G2) on July 26 at Del Mar in his most recent outings. His absence significantly alters the complexion of the field, which is a "Win & You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on November 1 at Del Mar.
With Nysos out, the focus of the Pacific Classic shifts to the two remaining top-tier contenders: Journalism and Fierceness.
Journalism (9-5 morning-line): The 3-year-old Curlin colt becomes the likely new favorite. He comes into this race in excellent form, having won the Preakness (G1) and the Haskell (G1). He also finished a strong second in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, though he was defeated by Sovereignty in both races. Journalism has a lethal turn of foot and could be dangerous if he's allowed to set a comfortable pace. He's also familiar with the Del Mar track, having broken his maiden there. A win in this race would not only be his first against older horses but also solidify his position in the race for the 3-year-old championship.
Fierceness (3-1 morning-line): The 2023 champion 2-year-old male, Fierceness, presents an intriguing challenge. He is a proven Grade 1 winner, having captured the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Travers Stakes last year. While his recent form has been a bit inconsistent—he finished a disappointing fifth in his previous start—he is a horse with immense talent and a high-end speed figure (117). He has also had success at Del Mar, where he finished second in the Breeders' Cup Classic last year. He's a stalker who can press the pace, and trainer Todd Pletcher's decision to ship him to Del Mar suggests the connections believe he is ready to return to his best form.
While the odds will likely shift in favor of Journalism and Fierceness, the rest of the field should not be ignored entirely. Horses like Indispensable (15-1) and Midnight Mammoth (12-1) could potentially hit the board, especially if the top two contenders engage in a grueling pace duel.
However, the narrative of the race is now squarely a two-horse showdown between a top-flight 3-year-old and a champion older horse looking for redemption. The odds are here, but the race must begin to reveal the real Pacific Classic Champion.
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.
