Baffert opting for Pacific Classic over Whitney for Nysos
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. − Nysos, the winner of the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap at Saratoga on June 6, will not run in the Grade 1 Whitney on Aug. 8 and instead will make his next start in the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 22, trainer Bob Baffert said Saturday.
Baffert indicated via text that he prefers the timing of the Pacific Classic as it relates to the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 31 at Keeneland.
“I only want to run once before the Breeders’ Cup,” Baffert wrote via text.
Baffert wrote that Nysos shipped Saturday from Kentucky to California to continue preparations for the Pacific Classic.
The Pacific Classic is run at 1 1/4 miles − same distance as the Breeders’ Cup Classic − and a distance at which Baffert feels confident the horse can handle.
Nysos, a son of Nyquist, has won 8 of 10 starts including two wins at 1 1/16 miles. In his one try at 1 1/8 miles, Nysos was beaten one length by Forever Young in the $20 million Saudi Cup, a race run around one turn.
Nysos is 3 for 3 at Del Mar including a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last year.
With Nysos heading to the Pacific Classic, that will enable Flavien Prat to stay on Baeza for the Whitney.
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