Division rankings: Journalism faces stiff test in Pacific Classic

Two or three decades ago, my favorite part of the racing season was when star 3-year-old males tested themselves against older horses in a top-level race. Back then, it wasn’t unusual to see it as early as Memorial Day in the Met Mile, when that race was still a holiday staple. If not the Met Mile, then the Whitney or the Iselin, back when the Iselin still carried real weight on the calendar. Those were the good old days. 

Sadly, the days of star 3-year-olds tackling their elders before the Breeders’ Cup are fading fast, which makes this year’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic a real treat. Journalism, the clear no. 2 among 3-year-old males, heads to Del Mar for a fascinating edition of the race, where the highly regarded Nysos and the enigmatic, East Coast-based Fierceness await him in the gate. 

On the heels of Sovereignty’s dominant Travers (G1) victory, Journalism has a chance to get back in the spotlight with a win over what might be the toughest duo any 3-year-old has faced this season. 

There’s plenty on the line this weekend. A Journalism defeat would all but clinch the 3-year-old Eclipse for Sovereignty, and a Nysos victory would shift the storyline and propel him directly into the older dirt male Eclipse race heading toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic. 

Not to be forgotten in New York, the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) brings together the older dirt male division’s top two, Mindframe and Sierra Leone, in a clash that has major Eclipse and horse-of-the-year implications.

Both races are run over the same 10-furlong distance as the Breeders' Cup Classic this fall. 

We’ll get to both of these races shortly, but first, here’s how the 3-year-old males and older dirt males stack up heading into the weekend.

3-year-old males

1. Sovereignty. He dominated an overmatched Travers field and now sits just one win away from horse of the year. His résumé has grown with each start, and he now stands as the most accomplished Kentucky Derby winner post-Derby since American Pharoah. He’ll train up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where the divisional Eclipse might hang in the balance and horse of the year certainly will.

2. Journalism. Showed up again in a big Grade 1 event and delivered, this time in the Haskell. His three top-level scores this season are tied as the most of any in this division. Will go this weekend in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, where he is in a must-win situation over older horses to stay in this Eclipse race.

3. Baeza. Ran his heart out in the Jim Dandy (G2) only to be second best, dropping a one-length decision to Sovereignty. Still in search of his first stakes win, but he is clearly in the top three of his division despite that fact. Will skip the Travers and likely wait for the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) next.

4. Gosger. Would be a dual Grade 1 winner if not for the heroics of Journalism. His last two starts, the Preakness and Haskell, have been solid runner-up finishes. Won the Lexington (G3) this season. Will run next in the Pennsylvania Derby.

5. Goal Oriented. Hasn't won a stakes race yet but has run extremely well in the Preakness and then the Haskell. Will run next in the Pennsylvania Derby.

Next 5: Sandman, Burnham Square, Chunk of Gold, Magnitude, Coal Battle.

Older dirt males

1. Mindframe. He kept his unbeaten 2025 campaign rolling with a popular win in the Stephen Foster (G1), planting his flag atop the older dirt male division for now. But he gives off strong Liam’s Map vibes, very good up to nine furlongs but unlikely to stretch his game to classic territory. His connections whiffed on a prime chance to widen his divisional lead when he was scratched from the Whitney (G1), leaving the stage to stablemate Fierceness, who finished off the board. He’s back at it this weekend in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where a victory would all but give him a stranglehold and perhaps an insurmountable lead in the division, depending on what unfolds out west

2. Sierra Leone. He fired yet another bullet in a major, this time in the Whitney at Saratoga, toppling a strong field and launching himself right back into the Eclipse and horse-of-the-year conversation. He is the only horse in training with a real shot at going back to back in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but somehow, the critics still chirp. This weekend brings the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where a win over Mindframe would leave no doubt about who sits atop this division.

3. Nysos. With two wins from three starts this year, Nysos reminded everyone why the Baffert camp has been so high on him, cruising home last out in the San Diego (G2) at Del Mar. Next up, the 10-furlong Pacific Classic and a test to see whether his brilliance can stretch the extra distance. If he passes this test, he could crash the Breeders’ Cup Classic party in November.

4. Fierceness. No real excuses for his off-the-board finish in the Whitney, and you have to wonder if he’s the same horse since his surgery last December. His calling card has been inconsistency, so don’t be surprised if he bounces back and runs well this weekend in the Pacific Classic.

5. Highland Falls. In his second start of 2025, he turned in a solid effort in the Whitney, finishing a game runner-up to Sierra Leone. Still, it’s hard to be fully convinced he belongs at this level, but like the 3-year-old ranks, this division is extremely top-heavy

Next five: White Abarrio, Locked, Banishing, Hit Show, Phileas Fogg.

Nysos has long been synonymous with big expectations, expectations that began with his dominating 10 1/2-length romp in his debut in the fall of 2023. Installed as last year's Kentucky Derby favorite after another romp in his 3-year-old debut, Nysos disappeared from the scene when an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. 

It’s been a long road back for Nysos, but remarkably, he now stands on the brink of a career-defining moment in the Pacific Classic. 

Returning in early May, he quieted plenty of doubters in May at Churchill Downs, where, after 15 months on the sidelines, he returned to run a courageous runner-up in the Churchill Down Stakes (G1), finishing ahead of sprint star Book’em Danno and just a neck behind Mindframe, the leader of the older dirt male division. He hasn’t missed a beat since, cruising past overmatched rivals in his next two starts. 

On Saturday, the Pacific Classic brings a new challenge, the distance. At 1 1/4 miles, it will stretch him farther than ever before, his longest race to date being 8 1/2 furlongs. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Nysos can sustain his brilliance over the 10 furlongs.

If he can, and if he does it with the same authority as his past wins, he’ll flip the narrative heading into the Breeders’ Cup Classic and vault himself into Eclipse contention. 

Since undergoing surgery after the 2024 season, Fierceness hasn’t quite looked like the same horse. His last start produced a no-excuse, off-the-board finish in the Whitney, and his career has been defined by brilliance one day and clunkers the next. Still, few would be shocked if the light flicked back on at Del Mar, the site of his career-best runner-up finish in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. Breaking from the rail this time, he has every chance to go straight to the front, and if he delivers his A race, he may never look back.

For Journalism, the equation is simple. If he wins, he moves on to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where both the 3-year-old Eclipse and horse-of-the-year titles will be on the line against his rival Sovereignty. And with apologies to Sovereignty fans, this Eclipse race is far from over. A Pacific Classic win over older horses would carry far more weight than Sovereignty’s Travers victory last weekend, for obvious reasons. 

It made no sense for Journalism to travel 3,000 miles into his rival’s backyard again when a more meaningful opportunity awaited in the Pacific Classic on his home track at the same distance as the Breeders’ Cup Classic. A win against rivals Nysos and Fierceness here would do wonders for Journalism’s Eclipse résumé and far outweighs the Travers win for Sovereignty over Bracket Buster and Magnitude. 

On Sunday, the Jockey Club Gold Cup takes center stage as Sierra Leone looks to seize the division lead with a second straight Grade 1 victory. For him, it’s close to a must-win. After opening the season with two defeats, he came alive in the Whitney with an impressive score, and the added furlong of the Gold Cup should only play to his strengths. 

Mindframe, meanwhile, enters with the chance to tighten his grip on the division. A third consecutive Grade 1 win would give him a stranglehold heading into the Breeders’ Cup.

Older dirt females

1. Thorpedo Anna. Credit where it’s due, she just wins. Last out, she dug in to edge Dorth Vader by a nose in the Personal Ensign (G1), all but clinching another Eclipse with her fourth win in five starts this season. There might still be a contender or two out west with something to say in this division, but she simply keeps finding ways to get it done.

2. Seismic Beauty. Scored a nice win last out in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) going wire to wire. Clearly the fastest horse in the division on paper in 2025, she will be a tough one to beat if she can stay healthy this fall. 

3. Kopion. I thought she ran a sneaky-good race when closing from last to finish second behind Seismic Beauty in the Clement Hirsch. The added distance didn't bother her, and there’s no reason to think she can’t handle the nine furlongs of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Her connections now have a choice. Stretch out and take a swing at the Distaff or cut back to sprints, where she’s already proven to be among the best.

4. Dorth Vader. Nearly pulled off another Grade 1 win in the Personal Ensign when losing the bob at the wire to Thorpedo Anna. That might be the margin that costs her an Eclipse. She won the Phipps (G1) in June for her only win this year.

5. Leslie's Rose. She checked in third in the Personal Ensign, though a distant third, more than nine lengths behind Dorth Vader. Prior to that, she picked up her first graded win of the season in the Shuvee (G2) at Saratoga and earlier finished third in the Vagrancy (G3)

Next five: Cavalieri, Richi, Raging Sea, Randomized, Dazzling Move.

3-year-old fillies

1. Nitrogen. Showed up in the Alabama (G1) and proved much the best to rocket to the top of this division. This turf standout now will stick to the dirt as she will look for one more race before the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

2. Good Cheer. Rebounded from her disastrous Acorn (G1) to run a very good second to Nitrogen in the Alabama. Not out of the Eclipse race here.

3. Scottish Lassie. Don't look now, but this gal is very close to the top after a dominating score in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1). Before that she was third in the Acorn (G1). Should run next in the Cotillion (G1) in September. 

4. La Cara. Didn't really run her race when off the board in the Alabama. Previously she was the dominant winner of the Acorn. She has two Grade 1 wins on the season.

5. Quietside. Didn’t look like she cared for the slop in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), fading to sixth. Before that, she delivered a gutsy win in the Fantasy (G2), outdueling Simply Joking in a thrilling stretch battle. Will continue to drop if she doesn't run soon.

Next five: Tenma, Drexel Hill, Five G, Simply Joking, Margie's Intention.

Turf males

1. Deterministic. He has rattled off three straight graded-stakes wins, including back-to-back Grade 1s. His latest was a dominant performance in the Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga after a big score in the shortened nine-furlong Manhattan (G1) the day after the Belmont. He’s 3-for-4 on the year and very much trending in the right direction.

2. Far Bridge. Ran his worst race of the season last out in the Sword Dancer (G1), finishing off the board. Still, I won't drop him too far given his résumé this season, which features three graded-stakes victories.

3. Formidable Man. Winner of the Kilroe Mile (G1) this season, he scored again last out in the Eddie Read (G2) at Del Mar. His other two starts this year resulted in off-the-board finishes.

4. Fort Washington. Scored his first Grade 1 last out in the Arlington Million, a breakthrough moment after 27 starts and three Grade 3 wins. At 6, this veteran is finally having his breakout season, with two other graded-stakes wins already on the résumé.

5. Spirit of St Louis. He’s picked up two Grade 1 wins this year, including a score in the Turf Classic (G1) on Derby day, but you wouldn’t know it from his recent form. He finished a dull eighth in the Fourstardave (G1), more than four lengths behind Deterministic, and was nowhere to be found in the Manhattan before that. It’s easy to forget he looked like a turf star just a few months ago.

Next five: El Cordobes, Integration, King of Gosford, Redistricting, Zulu Kingdom.

Turf females

1. She Feels Pretty. She gutted out a game win in the E. P. Taylor (G1) to hold her spot on top here. It was her second Grade 1 of the season and, remarkably, her fifth overall in just 12 starts, the fastest to five since Rushing Fall matched the feat five years ago.

2. Excellent Truth. She finally broke through for her first Grade 1 win last time out in the Diana after finishing runner-up in her three prior attempts. The win, though impressive, isn't enough for me to push her above She Feels Pretty, who would prevail if the Eclipse vote were held today.

3. Dynamic Pricing. Was third in the Diana, over four lengths behind the top two ranked in this division. Before that she scored a win in the Just a Game for her first top-level score. 

4. Be Your Best. Last out in the Beverly D (G2), she had to settle for third. Previous to that she shipped west and romped in the Gamely (G1). She kicked off the year with a win in the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G2). Runs again this weekend at Saratoga in the Flower Bowl (G2).

5. Charlene's Dream. Scored her biggest career win last out in the Beverly D (G2). That was her second graded-stakes win this season.

Next five: Beach Bomb, Heredia, Kehoe Beach, Ag Bullet, Saffron Moon.

Male sprinters

1. Book'em Danno. His Forego (G1) victory last weekend only further separated him from the rest of the division. That’s now three straight major sprint wins. Even if he skips the Breeders’ Cup, it’s hard to envision voting for anyone else for this Eclipse. This gelding has had an outstanding season and, for me, won’t be penalized if his connections choose to bypass Del Mar.

2. Patch Adams. Don’t look now, but this 3-year-old has clearly found his niche sprinting after failed attempts going longer. He’s now won back-to-back Grade 1 races against his classmates, most recently the Jerkens at Saratoga. If he were to add the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, would it be enough to unseat Book’em Danno if the Danno didn’t show up? For me, the answer is still no.

3. Dr. Venkman. This gelding ran big last out winning the Pat O'Brien (G2) stamping himself as a Breeders' Cup Sprint contender. Remember, he was second to Nysos earlier this season in the Triple Bend (G3)

4. Nysos. Stretched last out in the San Diego to score another win. Probably won’t be sprinting again this season as he will stretch even more Saturday in the Pacific Classic. Previously he scored in the Triple Bend (G3) and before that was a close third sprinting in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1). Stays in this spot for now pending the outcome this weekend.

5. Straight No Chaser. The reigning Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion disappointed in Dubai, finishing eighth in the Golden Shaheen (G1). Before that he kicked off 2025 with a win in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in Saudi Arabia. He too likely will fall from this spot soon.

Next five: Mullikin, Booth, Lovesick Blues, Captain Cook, Scotland.

Female sprinters

1. Kopion. Even after her loss to Sweet Azteca in the Great Lady M (G2), she holds onto the top spot for now. Before that, she blew past her 8-1 morning line in the Derby City Distaff (G1), powering home with authority. With Kopion, Sweet Azteca and Ways and Means all likely Del Mar-bound, this top-heavy division is setting the stage for one of the Breeders’ Cup’s most anticipated showdowns. Last out she ran a solid second in the Clement Hirsch at 8 1/2 furlongs, but a return to sprinting could still be in the cards.

2. Sweet Azteca. Scored her second win this season last out in the Rancho Bernardo (G3). This came after her remarkable comeback win in the Great Lady M (G2), where she defeated Kopion. That came nine months to the day after her last race, a stunning off-the-board finish at 1-9 odds in the four-horse Chillingworth (G3) at Santa Anita. A major player in this division when she is right.

3. Hope Road. This West Coast-based star dominated the Ballerina at Saratoga, earning her first Grade 1 victory. The win also flattered Kopion, whom she had been chasing earlier in the year. She now looks like a major player for the Breeders’ Cup.

4. Ways and Means. Absolutely dominated the Bed o’ Roses (G2), drawing off by more than seven lengths and staking her claim as likely the top female sprinter on the East Coast. Before that, she was a solid third in the Derby City Distaff (G1) behind top-ranked Kopion.

5. Two Sharp. Has made only one appearance this season but made it count, cruising to an easy win in the Winning Colors (G3) at Churchill Downs, taking down Hope Road and the rest with little trouble.

Next five: Nic's Style, Richi, Scylla, Vahva, Positano Sunset.