With a $1 million purse and Grade 1 status, the FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic (G1) on Aug. 31 is the crown jewel of the summer season at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California.

But the Pacific Classic offers more than just prestige and a hefty prize. As part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In, the winner earns a guaranteed spot and a travel allowance to compete in the $7 million Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). The Pacific Classic has been a part of this series since 2008.

This year, both the Pacific Classic and the Breeders' Cup Classic will be run at Del Mar, making the race even more attractive as it gives horses a chance to familiarize themselves with the local dirt track over the Breeders' Cup Classic distance of 1 1/4 miles.

The Pacific Classic is one of 82 races in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, spanning 12 countries. Two other Breeders' Cup Challenge races will also be held on the Aug. 31 card at Del Mar: the Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2), a qualifier for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), and the Green Flash Handicap (G2), which offers a spot in the Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1).

A Third Breeders' Cup at Del Mar

This fall's Breeders' Cup marks the third time the World Championships will be hosted at this scenic Southern California venue, located 20 miles north of San Diego.

Del Mar first hosted the Breeders' Cup in 2017, where Gun Runner's commanding win in the Breeders' Cup Classic secured his Horse of the Year title. Four years later, in 2021, Knicks Go led from gate to wire to clinch his Horse of the Year honors in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.

With daily attendance limited to 37,500 for this year’s World Championships at Del Mar, a sell-out crowd is expected. Tickets are still available at breederscup.com/tickets.

Showcasing California's Finest

Since its inception in 1991, the Pacific Classic has been a prime summer target for many of California's best horses, including legends like Bertrando, Best Pal, California Chrome, Candy Ride (ARG), and Lava Man. The race achieved Grade 1 status in its third running in 1993 and has maintained that level of excellence ever since.

California Chrome became the first Kentucky Derby (G1) winner to capture the Pacific Classic in 2016, and in 2006, Lava Man made history as the first horse to win the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), and the Pacific Classic in the same year.

Dare and Go staged one of the most memorable upsets in Pacific Classic history, ending Cigar's bid to surpass Citation's 16-race winning streak.

Beholder, a Hall of Fame mare, became the first female to win the Pacific Classic in 2015 and later added a second Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) to her achievements.

While many Pacific Classic winners have gone on to success in the Breeders' Cup, only two horses have completed the Pacific Classic-Breeders' Cup Classic double in the same year: Accelerate in 2018 and Flightline in 2022. Both were trained by John Sadler and owned by Hronis Racing, with Flightline's victory standing out for his record-breaking 19 1/4-length win in the Pacific Classic.

Hronis Racing has claimed four Pacific Classic victories since 2018, while Juddmonte Farms has also earned four wins in the race's history.

Recent Pacific Classic participants have also made their mark in the Breeders' Cup. Last year, Pacific Classic winner Arabian Knight finished fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, while Senor Buscador, who was fourth in the Pacific Classic, later went on to win the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) before retiring.

This Year’s Contenders

Early contenders for this year's Pacific Classic include the top three finishers from the July 27 San Diego Handicap (G2): winner Dr. Venkman, runner-up Katonah, and third-place Express Train. Katonah and Express Train are expected to be sharper after their returns from long layoffs.

Another strong candidate is Midnight Mammoth, winner of the Cougar Stakes (G3), who, like Dr. Venkman, has already won over the Del Mar main track.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, a seven-time Pacific Classic winner, is also expected to enter one of his top older horses, with Reincarnate among his leading prospects. 

DRC Image Califonia Chrome