Nysos Aims for Pacific Classic Glory in Del Mar's Storied History

The Pacific Classic has long served as the ultimate platform for elite racehorses to cement their legacy. This Grade 1 mile-and-a-quarter championship on August 30 at Del Mar continues that tradition, and Bob Baffert believes one of his charges is ready for the moment.

A Track Steeped in Excellence

Del Mar opened its gates in 1937 and has cultivated a reputation as racing’s most prestigious seaside venue. Since the Pacific Classic debuted in 1991, the track’s summer jewel—boasting a $1 million purse—has witnessed legendary performances from champions like Candy Ride, Lava Man, Game On Dude, Beholder, California Chrome, and Flightline. Each etched themselves into racing immortality through their dominant showings.

Building Nysos’ Resume

Nysos, a four-year-old son of Nyquist trained by legendary Bob Baffert, enters the Pacific Classic with a compelling backstory. His career numbers read 6 starts for 5 wins and 1 second-place finish—an impressive record that masks a challenging journey back to the races.

“Since day one he has always looked like a brilliant race horse,” Baffert noted, highlighting the colt’s natural talent. “Our problem early on was keeping him healthy.”

The 2024 Robert B. Lewis Stakes winner burst onto the scene with three consecutive victories by a combined 26¾ lengths. Those early successes gave way to injury complications that sidelined this promising prospect for over a year. Bob Baffert’s patient approach to rehabilitation proved crucial during this recovery phase.

The Road Back

Nysos’ comeback began with the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, where he rallied impressively but fell just a neck short on a rain-soaked track. Since that return, the colt has demonstrated his readiness with two consecutive stakes victories: the Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita (May 31) and the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar (July 26).

“He came from off the lead stretching out to a mile and a sixteenth and proved he is not a one-dimensional horse,” Baffert explained, noting the San Diego performance showcased Nysos’ versatility. “Running him in the Churchill race may have been a little ambitious with those track conditions, but he has responded beautifully since.”

The Challenge Ahead

The Pacific Classic represents uncharted territory for Nysos at the mile-and-a-quarter distance. The field includes formidable competitors: Preakness champion Journalism and 2024 Travers Stakes winner Fierceness headline a competitive lineup.

Bob Baffert, who has won a record seven Pacific Classics throughout his Hall of Fame career, approaches the race with appropriate respect for both the challenge and the opportunity.

“This is going to be a very tough race, but it’s a Grade 1 and they are not supposed to be easy,” Baffert said. “We know there are some other good horses in this field but we can’t worry about them. We’re only concerned with getting our horse to run his best. The mile and a quarter is always tricky on this track, but it is a big day at Del Mar and we are happy to be part of it.”

Jockey Flavien Prat, who has guided Nysos in four previous starts, is set to be in the saddle once again. The Pacific Classic serves as a Win and You’re In race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, adding another layer of significance to the August 30 championship.

For Nysos and connections, this represents the moment to join racing’s pantheon at one of its most storied venues.