DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Fierceness overcame a poor start to win the $1 million Pacific Classic by 3 1/4 lengths at Del Mar on Saturday, beating Preakness and Haskell winner Journalism , who was the 2-5 favorite.

Ridden by John Velazquez, Fierceness ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.00. Trainer by Todd Pletcher, the 4-year-old colt shipped in from New York. He paid $5.20 as the second choice in the wagering.

Fierceness veered sharply in toward the rail leaving the starting gate but overcame the trouble and took the lead in the far turn. Journalism was last in the seven-horse field before rallying in the stretch but couldn't catch the winner.

Ultimate Gamble finished third and Indispensable was fourth.

With the victory, Fierceness earned a berth in the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic at the seas

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