Breeders' Cup Classic guide: U.S. stars vs. Forever Young
The Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar Saturday still features one of the best fields ever, despite a major contender's scratch.
Sovereignty, winner of the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Grade 1 Travers, popped a mild fever this week and was scratched, taking out the morning-line favorite. Word on his future is still to come, but has he done enough to clinch horse of the year?
Stepping into his slot as favorite is Fierceness, Pacific Classic (G1) winner and runner-up in last year's Classic behind Sierra Leone, who comes into his second Breeders' Cup somewhat under the radar. Fierceness has the pace advantage, and post position No. 1 can't hurt.
Sierra Leone's trainer Chad Brown is pulling out an old racetrack trick to ensure a swift pace for the closer, entering a "rabbit" named Contrary Thinking. The hope is he will pressure Fierceness to go faster than he would if alone on the lead.
Fierceness is one of three entrants for trainer Todd Pletcher, who also has Stephen Foster (G1) winner Mindframe and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) winner Antiquarian. Both Mindframe and Antiquarian have beaten Sierra Leone this year.
With Sovereignty out, the 3-year-old class is represented by Michael McCarthy's Preakness and Haskell (G1) winner Journalism, second last out in the Pacific Classic (G1). John Shirreffs's Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Baeza looks to improve on that performance. Bob Baffert sends lightly raced 3-year-old Nevada Beach to the Classic off a big win in the Goodwood (G1).
The final Classic entrant is Japan's Forever Young. The 4-year-old finished in third last year in the Classic after a long season that saw him win the UAE Derby (G2), Saudi Derby (G3) and finish third in the Kentucky Derby. With eyes on the Classic once more, Forever Young had a long break after trips to the Saudi Cup (G1) and Dubai World Cup (G1). He won his Japan prep with ease. If he runs back to his Saudi form, he will be a real challenge to the U.S. horses.
The Breeders' Cup Classic is race 9 at Del Mar, post time 6:25 p.m. EDT. FanDuel TV has all-day coverage of Del Mar beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. The Breeders' Cup Classic will be on NBC with coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. EDT. Live streaming of all 14 Breeders' Cup races also is on Peacock beginning at 2 p.m. EDT.
Free past performances for the Breeders' Cup are courtesy of Brisnet.
2025 BC Classic: Last 3 Starts + Peak (13 Contenders)
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HRN handicappers
Don't miss this year's Hard Core Handicappers Round Table, featuring Caton Bredar, Ed DeRosa, Mark Midland and Ron Flatter.
HorseCenter's Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman look to get answers to 10 Breeders' Cup questions this weekend.
With Sovereignty out, HRN's Ed DeRosa thinks there is a good chance for a Japan double in the Classic and Mile. See why.
Here's one way to play the Classic if you were looking at a Sovereignty single.
And if you're looking to play Forever Young, here's a strategy to investigate.
But if you're looking for bombs, here are four live Breeders' Cup long shots to consider.
Before you make your final picks, check out the top-money riders for the Breeders' Cup.
In this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod, FanDuel TV's Andie Biancone checks in with the Breeders' Cup scoop on the backside at Del Mar. Spendthrift's Ned Toffey talks about the farm's Breeders' Cup string, including Sprint entrant Kopion and Breeders' Cup Juvenile favorite Ted Noffey. Finally, David Levitch, The Paddock Prince, has handicapping tips for both days at Del Mar.
Get Breeders' Cup Super Screener - there are still a lot of races to go.