Del Mar Weekend Racing Highlights: Pacific Classic Undercard, Streaks, and Breeders' Cup Contenders
This weekend at Del Mar, there are several exciting races lined up, including the $1 million Grade I Pacific Classic for 3-year-olds and up covering 1¼ miles. Other notable races include the $300,000 Grade II Del Mar Handicap, the $300,000 Grade II Del Mar Mile, the $150,000 Grade III Green Flash Handicap, and the $150,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. On Sunday, the $300,000 Grade II Del Mar Derby for 3-year-olds will take place over 1⅛ miles on turf. Additionally, there are stakes races scheduled for Monday, such as the $100,000 Tranquility Lake Stakes for fillies and mares and the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies.
The Pacific Classic undercard at Del Mar on Saturday will see some impressive streaks on the line. Notably, 7-year-old Gold Phoenix will attempt to win the same Del Mar race for the fourth consecutive year in the Del Mar Handicap, while 7-year-old Motorious aims for a third straight victory in the Green Flash Handicap. Trainer Phil D’Amato has a strong presence in these races, with horses like King of Gosford and Almendares in the Del Mar Mile. The Del Mar Mile will also feature 4-year-old Formidable Man, looking to maintain his perfect record on the Del Mar turf.
This weekend's races will showcase seven of the top 10 horses in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic contender rankings. The Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga on Sunday will feature some of the top contenders, including Sierra Leone, Mindframe, Highland Falls, and White Abarrio. The Pacific Classic on Saturday will be led by Journalism, Nysos, and Fierceness. The Breeders’ Cup, taking place from October 31 to November 1 at Del Mar, will culminate in the $7 million Grade I Classic, featuring the best horses in the sport.
Sovereignty continues to hold the top spot in the Classic contenders rankings and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association horse rankings after a dominant performance in the Travers at Saratoga. The six-year-old quarter horse Scoops Dynasty secured victory in the Grade I Go Man Go Handicap at Los Alamitos, narrowly beating out Empressum. Unfortunately, the racing season has seen some tragic incidents, including the recent death of Hidden Speed, highlighting the risks involved in the sport.
The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters recently announced their 2025 award winners, with Steve Andersen receiving the Walter Haight Award for turf writing excellence and Del Mar CEO Joe Harper honored with the Joe Palmer Award for service to racing. In other news, jockey Albin Jimenez faced a one-year suspension from Belterra Park after a questionable ride in a race on August 21. The racing world continues to see highs and lows, with thrilling victories and heartbreaking losses shaping the sport's narrative.