GI Pacific Classic Stakes

The 35th edition of the Aug. 22 $1-million GI Pacific Classic tops 37 stakes slated for this summer's 87th season at Del Mar. The "Classic" will headline a card featuring the GI Del Mar Oaks, GII Del Mar Mile and the GII Green Flash Handicap. Del Mar opens its summer season on Friday, July 17, featuring 32 days of racing through Monday, Sept. 7, Labor Day. This year's stakes schedule will offer $7,775,000 in purses, including five overnight stakes each carrying a $100,000 prize. Additionally, there have been two purses...

Approaching the threshold of the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, MGISW Journalism (Curlin) had his penultimate workout for the big race at Santa Anita Park on Friday, but according to a report in the Daily Racing Form that same day, the colt's regular rider Umberto Rispoli will be replaced by Jose Ortiz for the Classic. In all but one of Journalism's 10 career races (his maiden win at Del Mar in Nov. '24), Rispoli has ridden the son of Curlin. This includes three GI victories this year...