Betting With, and Against, Nysos in the Pacific Classic

A stellar rendition of the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) will take place at Del Mar on Saturday with a robust field of eight set to go postward. The once-beaten #4 Nysos (8-5) has been installed as the slight morning-line choice in the marquee event for conditioner Bob Baffert. 

Nysos – With

• $12 trifecta key 4 with 1,6 ($24)
• $2 trifecta 4 with 1,6 with all ($24)

Nysos – Against

• $28 win #1 Fierceness ($28)
• $1 superfecta 1,6 with 1,4,6 with 1,4,6 with all ($20)

By the surging Nyquist, the four-year-old is a head shy from being unbeaten with the lone setback in his lifetime coming when he was a brave runner-up in the Churchill Downs S. (G1) in May off of the 15-month layoff. The $550,000 juvenile purchase was a facile winner of the San Diego H. (G2) in his latest performance while running beyond one mile for the initial time, and the brilliant Kentucky-bred gives the impression of a colt that will endure 10 furlongs quite well, too. I expect Flavien Prat to keep the star within a few lengths of the early pace before asking him for his best approaching the turn for home. 

For those looking for alternatives to the favorite, there are a pair of especially viable contenders to side with in the contest. Champion #1 Fierceness (3-1) is a formidable third choice from the rail for Todd Pletcher. The City of Light colt is a Grade 1 winner at the distance; he was a powerful second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in his lone prior try at Del Mar, and he is also versatile enough to adapt to any pace scenario, as well. The four-year-old didn’t give the best account of himself in the Whitney S. (G1) when tiring in the stretch at Saratoga last time, but he can surely rebound and top this cast with a top performance. John Velazquez comes in to ride. 

Recent Haskell S. (G1) victor #6 Journalism (9-5) has only been defeated by the sublime Sovereignty over his last eight appearances and will tackle his elders for the initial time for Michael McCarthy. The three-time Grade 1 victor broke his maiden at Del Mar and has worked well on the course in advance of his toughest assignment to date. The Curlin sophomore faces a challenging chore in a very strong cast, but he is a genuine colt who might be up to the task. He also receives a six-pound weight break from his major foes in the group, as well. I expect the Kentucky-bred to be well off the early tempo in a field with plenty of speed in it before he puts in his stout closing kick in the lane with Umberto Rispoli retaining the ride.