Journalism, the 2025 Preakness Stakes (G1) and Haskell Stakes (G1) winner, is set to make his first appearance against older horses in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The challenge facing Journalism is significant – only six three-year-olds have ever topped their elders to win the Pacific Classic in the race’s history.
The Race Details
The Pacific Classic is a $1 million Grade 1 stakes race run at a mile and a quarter (10 furlongs) on Del Mar’s main dirt track. The race serves as a key Breeders’ Cup prep race, offering a “win and you’re in” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Journalism has drawn post position 6 for the contest, while he faces formidable competition from older, more experienced horses.
Key Competitors
Nysos
Nysos enters as the slightly favored runner, drawing post position 4. The nearly undefeated horse trained by Bob Baffert is considered a “definite threat” and brings an impressive record to the race.
Fierceness
Champion Fierceness represents another major challenge for Journalism. Despite recent disappointments in the Met Mile and Whitney Stakes, Fierceness previously ran well at Del Mar, nearly winning last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic before being caught late by Sierra Leone.
Other Contenders
The field also includes Midnight Mammoth, who finished second in the Hollywood Gold Cup, and several other competitors filling out the competitive lineup.
Race Analysis and Expectations
Racing analysts expect swift early fractions in the race, which could impact how the competition unfolds. The mile and a quarter distance at Del Mar provides an excellent preview of what might occur in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, as it’s run at the same distance and track.
For Journalism, this represents his most significant test to date, as he transitions from competing against horses his own age to facing seasoned older competitors who have proven themselves at the highest levels of thoroughbred racing.
