What’s On Track: Breeders’ Cup Weekend – Where Legends are Made

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Day one of Breeders’ Cup action, also known as “Future Stars Friday,” serves as a fitting appetizer for a tantalizing weekend of racing at Del Mar.

The opening program, dedicated to showcasing the next generation of Thoroughbred titans, is headlined by the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) for 2-year-old colts and geldings.

Pacing the field of eight is unbeaten Into Mischief colt, Ted Noffey.

Off to a perfect three-for-three start, the Todd Pletcher-trained grey rides into the 1 1/16-mile Juvenile off consecutive Grade 1 scores in the Hopeful, September 1 at Saratoga, and Breeders’ Futurity, October 4 at Keeneland.

Billed as the heavy 4-5 morning line choice, Ted Noffey faces talented opposition, led by fellow unbeaten grey and Grade 1 winner (Del Mar Futurity), Brant, at 5-2.

Crown Jewel

Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup festivities, which will feature nine races sporting a combined purse value of $23 million, are highlighted by none other than the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

The world-renowned fixture will see 10 of the sport’s finest racehorses compete for both the lucrative top prize and international prestige.

Returning for the 2025 renewal are the top three finishers from last year’s running in Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Forever Young (JPN).

Early betting has Fierceness (5-2 choice) favoured with Forever Young and Sierra Leone following closely at 7-2 apiece.

It is Sierra Leone, however, as last year’s champion, who can make history by becoming the second ever two-time Classic winner, joining Hall of Famer Tiznow, who struck in 2000 and 2001.

Around the World

Saturday’s $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) is set to boast a healthy international presence with 12 of the 14 entrants hailing from sires born outside the United States.

Leading the group of global goliaths is three-time Group 1 winner Minnie Hauk (IRE), who opens at 8-5.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the 3-year-old daughter of Frankel (GB)–Multilingual (GB) has been a marvel for owners Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor, who purchased her for $1,955,860 as a yearling.

Boasting a 5-2-0 record from seven lifetime starts, Minnie Hauk’s trifecta of Group tallies spanned across the Betfred Oaks, Irish Oaks, and Yorkshire Oaks at Epsom, Curragh, and York, respectively.

Rebel’s Romance (IRE), who’s earned over $14.4 million during her remarkable career (29: 20-0-2), is sure to provide stiff resistance from post one at 5-2.

Don’t Blink

The $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint begins and ends with speed.

Taking place Saturday, the six-furlong dash open to male and female horses, three years old and older, features a deep cast of 14 blazing sprinters.

Among the contenders is Spendthrift Farm’s million-dollar filly Kopion, who enters the BC Sprint sporting a 2-2-0 record from four starts this season.

The Omaha Beach chestnut opened her third professional campaign with a bang, collecting consecutive tallies in the Santa Monica (G2) and Derby City Distaff (G1).

Coming off back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Great Lady M (G2) and Clement L. Hirsch (G1), Kopion, as the 7-2 second choice, searches for a return to the winner’s circle in her most formidable challenge to date.

Long-Time Coming

Lael Stables’ filly She Feels Pretty has accomplished plenty over a stellar three-year career, but a triumph in the Breeders’ Cup still eludes the $2.2 million-earner.

On Saturday, the five-time Grade 1 winner returns for a second shot at Breeders’ Cup glory as the 4-1 second choice in the $2 million Filly & Mare Turf (G1T).

Ready for revenge after a third-place effort in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T), She Feels Pretty has made significant strides heading into her second Breeders’ Cup.

Standing at 8-2-2 from 12 starts lifetime, the Cherie DeVaux charge’s Grade 1 resume includes tallies in the Natalma, Queen Elizabeth II, American Oaks, New York, and E.P. Taylor.

She Feels Pretty slots behind Prix de Diane Longines (Gr. 1) champion Gezora (FR), who opens at 5-2.