Pacific Classic Spotted Later in Calendar on Sept. 3

For the first time since 2009 and just the second time since its inception in 1991, the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (G1) will be run in September.

This year's 1 1/4-mile test has been moved back two weeks to Saturday, Sept. 3, two days before the Labor Day holiday. Like much of the stakes schedule, the date of the Classic had to be changed to accommodate the late start to the meet, which kicks off a week later than usual on July 22nd.

Racing secretary David Jerkens says having the entire meet go a week beyond Labor Day until Sept. 11 caused officials to look at the schedule differently.

"The Pacific Classic—we could have left it where it was last year (Aug. 21), but now your prep races, like the San Diego (G2), are a little quick," Jerkens said. "So we thought Labor Day weekend would be the way to go."

Jerkens says the race's placement on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend made sense, avoiding competition with Travers Day a week earlier at Saratoga Race Course.

The Pacific Classic is a "Win and You're In" Challenge race, coming two months before the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland, leaving horsemen with the option of going straight from that race into the Breeders' Cup or with another start in between.