August 28, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Coin Toss
Journalism or Nysos?
That is the prevailing question ahead of Saturday’s $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
The case for Journalism starts with a remarkable 9: 6-2-1 record, headlined by resounding triumphs in the Preakness (G1), Haskell (G1), and Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Nysos, while without a Grade 1 victory, sports a 5-1-0 line from six starts, with four graded wins, and opens as the narrow 8-5 choice over his 9-5 foe.
Only the racetrack will settle whether accolades or oddsmaker intuition prove stronger in the elite colts’ first head-to-head matchup.
Oh, and the winner books their spot in November’s $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
Go for Goal
A Saratoga stakes hat-trick is within reach for unbeaten filly Mythical, but the difficulty will be turned up to Superstar in Saturday’s $300,000 Spinaway (G1).
Pegged for post four, Mythical rides into the seven-furlong dirt dash having passed a new test, each increasing in intensity, the last three times out.
What began with an 8 ½-length triumph in her maiden debut (Gulfstream Park), evolved into a 3 ½-length score in her first stakes effort (Tremont at Saratoga), and most recently, a 3 ¼-length decision in her graded debut (Grade 3 Adirondack).
The ever-improving Mythical enters as the 5-2 second choice behind promising maiden winner, Tommy Jo (2-1).
You Have My Attention
Khaadem (IRE) doesn’t venture outside the United Kingdom or United Arab Emirates often, but he’ll make an exception for the $2 million Kentucky Turf Sprint (G2).
After a second in last year’s edition of the 6-furlong tilt, Khaadem returns to Kentucky Downs this Saturday with vengeance on his mind.
Heavily experienced with 40 starts under his belt (9-3-4), the 9-year-old Charlie Hills charge came up 3 ¼-lengths short of last year’s winner, even-money favorite Cogburn.
Once again competing as the second choice, this time behind 7-2 leader Howard Wolowitz, Khaadem opens at 4-1.
Take My Hand
Sandman has been stuck in a deep slumber since capturing March’s Arkansas Derby (G1), hitting the board just once in three subsequent starts.
Come Saturday, the 3-year-old colt will have 3.5 million reasons to wake up for the lucrative Nashville Derby (G3T) at Kentucky Downs.
Pitted against a deep cast of 11 foes, led by Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (7-2) and Test Score (4-1), Sandman had performed admirably prior to the recent slump, winning three of eight starts and finishing top three in six.
A strong third in the Preakness (G1) against stiff competition proved the Jose Ortiz mount is more than capable of running with the big dogs.
Slotted into post eight, Sandman opens at 5-1.
All-Star Weekend
Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone can punch his ticket to this year’s running as early as Saturday, with a win in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga.
The reigning Champion Three-Year-Old Colt has remained in fine fettle since his flagship 1 ½-length triumph last November, easing his way back with a third in the New Orleans (G2) and second in the Stephen Foster (G1) before claiming the Whitney (G1) last time out, also at Saratoga.
Making an already interesting race even more compelling is that the top four finishers from the Whitney will reunite for the Gold Cup.
Alongside Sierra Leone, the star-powered quartet includes Highland Falls, Disarm, and White Abarrio.
The former, with over $6.8 million in prize money to his name, leads the way early at 8-5.