Journalism and Nysos Back on the Worktab, Though the Curlin Colt’s Next Target Remains Undecided

The Haskell winner turned in a smooth drill at Del Mar, with his connections set to decide in the coming days whether he will line up for the Pacific Classic (G1), a race where Bob Baffert’s charge is already confirmed to run

Journalism (inside) Turned In a Convincing Move / BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, Carlifornia (Special for Turf Diario).- The GI Pacific Classic (10f, dirt, $1,000,000), centerpiece of the Del Mar season and one of the cornerstones of the American racing calendar, is beginning to heat up. On Saturday morning, two potential headliners for the 34th renewal turned in very different types of moves, both leaving their connections more than satisfied.

On one side was Journalism (Curlin—Mopotism, by Uncle Mo), one of the most talked-about horses of the year and fresh off his gritty victory in the GI Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Also runner-up in both the GI Kentucky Derby and the GI Belmont S., the Michael McCarthy trainee breezed a half-mile in :48 flat, slightly sharper than his :48.40 drill the previous week.

“He went very well, with good rhythm and energy,” McCarthy noted. “We put a workmate alongside him to keep him focused, and it went perfectly. He’s been doing this all year—nothing flashy, but very solid.”

Aron Wellman, head of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, added: “The idea was to give him a touch more pressure with company to keep him honest. The key with him always comes after the breeze—he just thrives in the gallop-out. The farther he goes, the stronger he gets, and that’s a tremendous asset looking ahead.”

Regular rider Umberto Rispoli summed it up: “Very good, no surprises. A straightforward, clean piece of work.”

By contrast, Nysos (Nyquist), the Bob Baffert-trained star who stamped himself with a convincing score in the GII San Diego H., delivered a powerhouse move pointing directly to the Pacific Classic. Breaking off shortly after 7:30 a.m., the dark bay covered seven furlongs in 1:24.60, striding out with strength and determination.

“He’s getting right where we want him,” Baffert said. “I wanted a strong work, and he did it beautifully. He needed that, and I’m sure he’ll get a lot out of it.” A seven-time Pacific Classic winner, Baffert is eyeing yet another addition to his record tally.

The path for Journalism, meanwhile, remains under consideration. While Del Mar’s marquee event is clearly tempting, connections emphasized they won’t rush into a decision. Field composition—both in depth and quality—will weigh heavily as they evaluate whether the Curlin colt takes his place in the Pacific Classic gate or if they opt for an alternate path aimed squarely at the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic, also at Del Mar in November.

The Pacific Classic has crowned champions such as Cigar (Palace Music), Shared Belief (Candy Ride), California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit), Candy Ride himself (Ride the Rails), and the unbeaten Flightline (Tapit). For 2025, it could bring together Journalism and Nysos—two colts of contrasting styles, yet united by the same ambition: to stamp themselves as stars on the biggest stage.