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The road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic reaches one of its most prestigious stops this Saturday as a field of 11 accomplished runners prepares for the 36th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar. As an official Breeders’ Cup Classic “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series event, the winner will earn an automatic berth into the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled for October 31 at Keeneland Race Course.
With the final major workouts completed over the weekend, trainers are now focusing on lighter training, schooling, and keeping their horses fresh for one of the marquee races of the West Coast summer meeting.
Subsanador Impresses for Mandella
Among the final preparations, Subsanador turned heads Wednesday morning with a sharp three-furlong bullet in :36.40, the fastest of 12 horses at the distance.
Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella explained the move was less about conditioning and more about sharpening his Argentine-bred star.
“He’s had long, hard works. A little short blowout is like a cheering-up kind of a deal,” Mandella said.
Mandella couldn’t be more pleased with his horse’s condition entering Saturday.
“He couldn’t be any better going into this race.”
Subsanador enters the Pacific Classic looking to add another Grade 1 victory to his résumé and secure a return trip to the Breeders’ Cup.
Knightsbridge Arrives as the Horse to Beat
Morning-line favorite Knightsbridge settled in well after arriving at Del Mar late Saturday and has already taken several trips over the main track.
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, overseeing preparations from Saratoga, remains encouraged by what he’s seen.
“Everything looks good to me. No negatives so far.”
Drawing the outside post in the field of 11, Knightsbridge will attempt to cement his status among the nation’s elite older dirt horses.
East Coast Contenders Ready for California Test
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. ships two dangerous contenders west in Forged Steel and Navajo Warrior, both of whom have adapted smoothly since arriving Tuesday.
Forged Steel already owns an impressive California performance after dominating the Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup by 9½ lengths at Santa Anita earlier this year.
Navajo Warrior, meanwhile, returns to familiar surroundings. The son of Gun Runner began his career in Southern California, broke his maiden at Del Mar in 2024, and won three consecutive races at Santa Anita before being transferred to East Coast connections.
Malarchuk Looks to Reverse the Hollywood Gold Cup Result
One of the horses attempting to turn the tables on Forged Steel is Malarchuk, who finished second in the Hollywood Gold Cup.
Now based in Southern California with trainer Michael McCarthy, the son of Nyquist has acclimated well since being purchased by Reddam Racing last year.
McCarthy believes the home-track advantage could play a significant role.
“He gets to run out of his own stall here.”
Full Serrano Returns to Familiar Territory
Argentine standout Full Serrano has fond memories of Del Mar.
After making his U.S. debut at the seaside oval in 2024, he returned later that season to capture the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, the biggest victory of his career.
Trainer John Sadler reported the horse has trained exceptionally well leading into Saturday.
Following a strong six-furlong work in 1:11, Full Serrano has continued his schooling routine, including paddock sessions and gate practice, leaving Sadler confident heading into the Pacific Classic.
Om N Joy Takes on the Boys
One of the most intriguing storylines belongs to Om N Joy, the California-bred filly who will face male rivals for the first time.
Trainer Aggie Ordonez has kept her galloping steadily while incorporating gate schooling throughout the week.
“I’m extremely excited,” Ordonez said. “I’m glad I’m old enough to appreciate it.”
Japan Seeks Historic Pacific Classic Victory
International attention will also focus on Finger, who hopes to become the first Japanese-trained horse to win the Pacific Classic.
After arriving safely in California following quarantine in Los Angeles, the son of Gun Runner has adapted well to his new surroundings.
Team liaison Mitsuoki Numamoto praised the horse’s smooth international journey.
“He handled everything so well. During the flight he drank well and he ate well, so it was comfortable for him.”
Finger will continue paddock schooling and gate work before making his first career start outside Japan.
A Breeders’ Cup Classic Ticket Awaits
Beyond the prestigious Grade 1 trophy and the $1 million purse, Saturday’s Pacific Classic offers something even more valuable—a guaranteed place in the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.
With proven Grade 1 performers, international challengers, rising stars, and seasoned veterans all converging at Del Mar, the Pacific Classic once again shapes up as one of the defining races of the North American racing season.
The Pacific Classic is scheduled as Race 10 on Saturday’s 11-race card at Del Mar, with an approximate post time of 6:45 p.m. (ET).
Agentes 305 will provide complete coverage of the Pacific Classic, including race analysis, breaking news, and post-race reaction as the countdown to the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships continues.
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