All Class: Nysos Takes San Diego, Sets Sights on Pacific Classic

The son of Nyquist was unstoppable over the Del Mar dirt, drawing off to a 2 3/4-length victory over Mirahmadi

Nysos Proves Unstoppable Once More, Solidifies His West Coast Dominance / BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- With the burden of favoritism resting squarely on his shoulders and only five rivals to contend with, Nysos delivered exactly what was expected: a performance of sheer authority. The son of Nyquist left no room for doubt Saturday afternoon at Del Mar, capturing the 84th running of the GII San Diego H. with the composed brilliance that good horses often display, further strengthening an already impressive early résumé.

Ridden with confidence by champion Flavien Prat, the Baoma Corporation colorbearer traveled comfortably along the rail, found a seam around the far turn, and surged clear to a 2 3/4-length victory, stopping the clock in 1:42.61 for 1 1/16 miles over a fast track. Behind him came Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) and Tarantino (Pioneerof the Nile), the latter a further three lengths back.

The San Diego Handicap serves as the traditional prep for the GI Pacific Classic ($1,000,000), Del Mar’s marquee summer event set for August 30, and all signs now point to Nysos taking his place in the starting gate—should soundness allow. Trainer Bob Baffert, who notched his third San Diego win and a record 179th stakes victory at Del Mar, confirmed the Pacific Classic as the likely next target.

“He was ready,” said Baffert. “Prat just sat there patiently, and when he found the hole, I knew the race was over. It’s a relief, because I’ve lost this race with some really nice horses. Today I felt what Bill Mott must have felt with Sovereignty in the Jim Dandy: pressure. I’m happy Nysos won, and if all goes well, the Pacific Classic is next.”

It was a milestone win for Prat as well, who became just the fifth jockey in Del Mar history to reach 100 stakes victories at the seaside oval.

“He broke well and was always comfortable inside, so I just stayed there,” said the Frenchman. “There weren’t any specific instructions—just let him run. Can he go longer? You never know until they try, but I have the feeling he’ll handle it just fine.”

Undefeated at two with eye-catching wins in the GIII Bob Hope S. and GII Los Alamitos Futurity, Nysos missed the Triple Crown season due to physical setbacks. He returned in May with a sharp allowance win at Santa Anita and has now compiled a record of 6-5-1-0 and earnings of $598,500, returning the minimum $2.20 payout for a $2 win ticket.

Now the looming question: is Nysos poised to become the new force among older West Coast routers? The answer may begin to take shape in the Pacific Classic. For now, he’s taken another decisive step forward.