Mixto, who had previously won only a single maiden race in 13 attempts, surged ahead in the final moments under jockey Kyle Frey to clinch a remarkable victory in the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic on Saturday at Del Mar.

Competing as a 22-1 outsider, the second least favored in a group of eight aged three years and older, Mixto closely followed the early leader Full Serrano from the race’s outset. He then bravely accelerated when prompted to take the lead in the race’s last sixteenth of a mile, finishing a half-length ahead for owner Calumet Farm, trainer Doug O’Neill, and jockey Frey.

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“Initially, I planned to lead from the start,” Frey explained. “However, in the paddock, I asked Doug if it was okay to hold back if the pace turned frantic. He approved both plan A and B. (Mixto) really came through for me. It was wonderful.”

“As the race unfolded, Kyle positioned Mixto perfectly, and he performed brilliantly,” O’Neill remarked. “He had shown us glimpses of his potential, but today he truly proved himself. Though his past performances indicate he’s competed in various places, today everything aligned perfectly, and Kyle Frey executed an impeccable race.”

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Full Serrano, managed by jockey Reylu Gutiérrez and setting fractions of 23.42, 46.95, 1:11.62, and 1:36.29, fought valiantly to finish second, a half-length ahead of third-place Reincarnate. The favored Dr. Venkman ended a non-threatening fourth, falling another two lengths behind.

Eight out of the nine starters completed the race. Adare Manor, the 5-year-old mare who likely would have been the favorite, was withdrawn by trainer Bob Baffert after he reported she experienced muscle cramping following a gallop on Thursday.

Mixto’s payouts were $46.40, $16.40, and $8.60; Full Serrano $9.00 and $7.00; and Reincarnate $4.40. Mixto’s victory added $600,000 to his previous earnings of $182,180.

A 4-year-old chestnut colt, Mixto completed the 1 1/4 miles on a fast main track in 2:02.10. His first victory, a maiden race, came on his seventh attempt last fall at Del Mar. He was stakes-placed in four subsequent races, including a recent appearance in the Pleasanton Mile on July 2 at the Alameda County Fair meet.

The Pacific Classic victory secured Mixto a spot in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled over the same track and distance on November 2.

For Frey, aged 32, this marked a pinnacle in his nearly 14-year career as a professional jockey.

“This is the most significant day in my racing career,” he affirmed. “Without a doubt.”