Overview

• The $1 million Grade I Pacific Classic goes off Saturday at Del Mar with eight runners, led by Nysos, Journalism and Fierceness.
• Del Mar’s morning line lists Nysos at 8-5, Journalism at 9-5 and Fierceness at 3-1, with Journalism receiving a six-pound age allowance.
• Nysos, trained by Bob Baffert, tries 1¼ miles for the first time after a 15-month layoff earlier in his career and enters off two wins in three starts since returning.
• Journalism arrives off victories in the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness and Haskell and makes his first start against older horses as his connections eye year-end honors with a win.
• Fierceness draws the rail and is expected to show speed early, with handicappers projecting Nysos and Journalism to sit mid-pack before making late runs; the race offers a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.