Pacific Classic Stakes Official Odds: Ultimate Betting Guide

HORSE RACING
August 29, 2025

The History and Significance of Del Mar’s Premier Race

 

The Pacific Classic, a jewel in the crown of the North American horse racing schedule, stands as the marquee event of the Del Mar summer meet. Run at 1 1/4 miles on the main track, this Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-olds and up offers a rich purse and a coveted “Win and You’re In” spot for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which this year will take place at Del Mar.

Its scenic setting at the “track where the turf meets the surf” in Del Mar, California, makes it a fan favorite, drawing large crowds and intense competition. Since its inaugural running in 1991, the Pacific Classic has produced legendary winners like Best Pal, Gentlemen, and the iconic, undefeated Flightline, who delivered a record-breaking performance in 2022.

The race consistently attracts a stellar field, creating a thrilling contest that serves as a pivotal final prep for the Breeders’ Cup. You will find that understanding the history and trends of this race gives you a significant edge when analyzing the field and making your Pacific Classic betting picks.

 

The 2025 Pacific Classic: Schedule, Date, and Broadcast Information

 

The 2025 Pacific Classic will run on Saturday, August 30, at Del Mar. The whole day of racing action promises to be one of the highlights of the summer meet. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. PST, with the first post scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PST. The $1 million Pacific Classic, the main event, is likely to go to post around 6:00 p.m. PST as the 10th race on an 11-race card.

You can watch all the action on our BUSR Experience platform, ensuring you will not miss any of the key races leading up to the main event. Del Mar’s Pacific Classic Day provides an ideal opportunity for you to immerse yourself in a full day of world-class racing and find the best Pacific Classic odds for your wagers.

 

The 2025 Pacific Classic Day Racecard: A Comprehensive Breakdown

 

The Pacific Classic is the centerpiece, but the full racecard on August 30 is a handicapper’s dream. The day features a series of other graded stakes races that offer outstanding betting value. Del Mar will present five graded stakes races, including two Grade 2 features, the $300,000 Del Mar Handicap and the $300,000 Del Mar Mile. Both of these turf races attract top-tier talent and provide excellent opportunities for strategic wagering.

The card also includes the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap and the Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes. Analyzing the undercard is crucial, as it provides a great way to build your bankroll before the big race. For instance, the Del Mar Mile often features horses with high early speed who might burn each other out, opening up a chance for a closer to steal the win at good odds. The Torrey Pines, for three-year-old fillies, often has a wide-open field with multiple contenders, making it a prime target for a trifecta or superfecta play.

 

Weather and Track Conditions: What to Expect in Del Mar

 

Del Mar, California, is renowned for its mild coastal weather, and Pacific Classic Day should be no exception. The weather forecast for Saturday, August 30, shows sunny conditions with a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F). The chance of rain is minimal, with only a 15% chance during the day.

Del Mar’s main track is known for being fair and fast, and the expected conditions should produce a quick surface. The weather should not be a significant factor in handicapping the race, which allows you to focus on the horses’ form, class, and running style. The consistent weather and fast track give you a great chance to bet on the Pacific Classic without worrying about a sudden change in conditions affecting the outcome.

 

Official Odds and Expert Breakdown for the 2025 Pacific Classic

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The 2025 Pacific Classic has drawn a compact but exceptionally talented field of eight, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. The morning-line odds reflect the respect for the top three contenders, with a clear separation between them and the rest of the field. Here is a detailed breakdown of each horse, their official odds, and a brief analysis of their chances.

 

The Favorites

  • 1. Fierceness (3-1): This four-year-old by City of Light is a multiple Grade 1 winner and the 2023 Eclipse Champion two-year-old. Fierceness ran a brilliant race to finish second in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at this same track and distance, which proves his affinity for Del Mar. While his recent form has been inconsistent, his last workouts have been sharp, and his trainer, Todd Pletcher, has him primed for a big effort. Fierceness possesses the tactical speed to press the pace and the stamina to see out the 1 1/4 miles. He is a formidable contender and a must-include in your Pacific Classic betting strategies.
  • 4. Nysos (8-5): A perfect five-for-five in his career, Nysos enters the Pacific Classic as the morning-line favorite. The Bob Baffert trainee has been sensational, and he already has two victories at Del Mar, including a dominating performance in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap, the key local prep. Nysos exhibits a high level of tactical speed, and his trainer boasts a remarkable record in this race, having won it seven times. He looks like a powerhouse and a deserving favorite, but this is his biggest test yet against Grade 1-winning company.
  • 6. Journalism (9-5): This three-year-old has been a star of his generation, winning both the Preakness Stakes and the Haskell Stakes. Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, makes his first start against older horses, but his late-running style and impressive turn of foot make him a serious threat. He has a perfect record at Del Mar and has consistently run high-speed figures. If the early pace is fast, Journalism will be the one picking up the pieces in the stretch. He offers excellent value at slightly higher odds than Nysos.

 

The Contenders and Longshots

  • 2. Midnight Mammoth (12-1): A veteran gelding, Midnight Mammoth has a solid record and has shown he can compete at a high level. He finished second in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) in his last start and has proven stamina. While he is a definite outsider for the win, his consistent running style and experience could land him on the board in the exotic wagers.
  • 5. Indispensable (15-1): Trainer John Sadler has a history of winning this race with longshots, and Indispensable could be his next surprise. This four-year-old colt comes into the race with a solid record and is making a significant step up in class. The fact that a top jockey like Paco Lopez is traveling to Del Mar to ride him is an intriguing sign. He could hit the board if the favorites falter.
  • 3. Ultimate Gamble (20-1): As a five-year-old with only nine career starts and no stakes wins, Ultimate Gamble is taking a big swing here. He is a valid longshot, but he would need a career-best effort and a complete pace meltdown to have a chance. He has shown some late-running ability, but this is a very tough spot for his first stakes race.
  • 7. Lure Him In (20-1): This eight-year-old gelding is a multiple stakes winner, but he is stepping up in class significantly. He has been running in lower-level races and would need a monumental effort to compete with the likes of Nysos, Fierceness, and Journalism.
  • 8. Tarantino (20-1): Another veteran of the California circuit, Tarantino has placed in multiple graded stakes but has yet to win a Grade 1. He finished a distant third in the local prep, the San Diego Handicap, behind Nysos. While his best is likely not good enough to win, he could factor into the deeper exotics if the pace is fast and some of the favorites tire.

 

A Review of Past Pacific Classic Winners

 

Examining the history of the Pacific Classic can offer valuable insights into how the race unfolds. The race has seen its share of upsets, none more famous than Dare and Go’s victory over the legendary Cigar in 1996. While favorites have won, the Del Mar surface has also produced stunning upsets. Trainer John Sadler has a remarkable record in this race, with four wins since 2018, including victories with Accelerate and Higher Power.

Bob Baffert has an even more impressive record, with seven wins, solidifying his status as the race’s most successful trainer. The race’s history also reveals a mix of running styles among its winners, from the pace-setting Accelerate to the late-running Arcangelo. The most crucial trend seems to be a horse’s ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance and a final prep race at or near that distance.

 

Expert Analysis and Betting Strategies

 

Handicapping the 2025 Pacific Classic requires a deep dive into the unique characteristics of each horse. The 1 1/4-mile distance demands a blend of speed and stamina, and the tight Del Mar turns can favor a horse with a good post position. With a strong presence of early speed in the field, the pace scenario becomes a critical element. Nysos and Fierceness both prefer to be forwardly placed, and if they engage in a speed duel early, it could set the race up for a late-running horse like Journalism.

For win consideration, Nysos has to be the top pick. His undefeated record and local prep win make him the most logical choice for the winner. However, his short price might not be the best value.

Journalism, originating from the highly competitive East Coast circuit, offers a great alternative at a more affordable price. He proved his class against the best three-year-olds in the Preakness Stakes and Haskell Stakes, and his closing kick could be potent. For exotic wagers, consider building your exacta and trifecta tickets around these three leading contenders. Including a longshot like Midnight Mammoth in the third or fourth spot could lead to a massive payout. A strategic play would be to box Fierceness, Nysos, and Journalism in an exacta or trifecta, guaranteeing you a return if any combination of them finishes in the top two or three.

 

Get Ready for the Big Showdown

 

The 2025 Pacific Classic is shaping up to be a race for the ages. With three champions vying for supremacy and a rich undercard of graded stakes races, Del Mar is the place to be on August 30. This is your chance to witness history and test your handicapping skills against the best.

By using the information on the schedule, contenders, and the Pacific Classic odds, you have a solid foundation for making smart and profitable wagers. Do not miss this opportunity to get in on the action and bet on the Pacific Classic. Get ready to watch the best horses in the world compete for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup and a place in the annals of horse racing history.

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