Mixto, a 22-1 longshot, shocked the racing community by securing his first stakes victory in the $1 million Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) at Del Mar, also earning a coveted spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Trained by Doug O'Neill, Mixto had consistently shown promise but had only managed to win once in 13 prior starts. Despite drawing the outside post, O'Neill felt confident enough in the colt's potential to give him a shot in this prestigious race.

As the race unfolded, Full Serrano, a relatively unknown contender making just his second start in the U.S., took an early lead. Mixto, guided by jockey Kyle Frey, settled just behind him, biding his time. Frey, who had discussed a flexible race strategy with O'Neill beforehand, decided to hold back when the pace heated up early, opting to conserve Mixto’s energy for a late charge.

The favorite, Dr. Venkman, loomed in third, seemingly in a prime position to strike, but it was Mixto who proved unstoppable. In the stretch, Mixto surged alongside Full Serrano, ultimately overtaking him to win by a half-length with a final time of 2:02.10. Dr. Venkman was overtaken by Reincarnate, who finished third.

This victory was a significant milestone for Mixto and his connections. Owned by Calumet Farm, Mixto was purchased for $140,000 at the 2022 Ocala Breeders' Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. Despite only having one previous win, Mixto had shown potential in graded stakes races, including a second-place finish in the San Antonio Stakes (G2) and third-place finishes in both the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) and the Californian Stakes (G3). This win not only solidifies Mixto's place among top-tier racehorses but also guarantees him a spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic, offering a chance to further prove his capabilities on racing’s biggest stage.