Breeders' Cup Sprint: Date, Schedule, Where to Watch & Championship Picks

The Sprint is the Pinnacle of Global Speed Racing and a Prime Wagering Opportunity

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships represent the undisputed climax of the international horse racing season, bringing together champions from across the globe to compete for eight figures in purse money. Among the entire 14-race card, few events capture the essence of pure, raw Thoroughbred power quite like the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint. This six-furlong dash demands immediate acceleration, relentless pressure, and a refusal to yield, offering spectators a breathtaking spectacle and presenting handicappers with one of the most challenging and rewarding betting puzzles of the year.

Our comprehensive guide prepares you for Championship Saturday at Del Mar, delivering the essential details you need to watch, analyze, and profit from the 2025 edition, focusing specifically on where to find the best Breeders' Cup Sprint odds. We break down the whole field, examine the history, and provide the expert analysis necessary to successfully bet on Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Check the Breeders’ Cup schedule for “Championship Saturday”

Marking Your Calendar: The 2025 Breeders' Cup Sprint Schedule, Date, and Broadcast Details

Racing fans worldwide turn their attention to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California, as it prepares to host the 2025 World Championships on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1. The $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint will take its spot as Race 6 on the Championship Saturday card, scheduled for a crucial post time of 4:21 p.m. Eastern Time.

The six-furlong distance on the dirt track ensures this race will be fast, furious, and determined in under 70 seconds of running time. Television coverage for the key races begins early in the afternoon, with the early Championship Saturday action airing on USA Network starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, transitioning to NBC at 3:30 p.m. ET for the majority of the major events, including the Sprint, and then concluding back on the USA Network later in the evening. Savvy handicappers and enthusiasts also know that comprehensive, all-day coverage and real-time analysis are available via BUSR Experience, providing indispensable insight into the ever-changing Breeders' Cup Sprint betting landscape throughout the day, ensuring you never miss a crucial development or a shifting market.

Del Mar’s Environmental Factors: Expected Weather and Track Condition for Saturday

The Southern California locale of Del Mar in early November almost guarantees ideal racing weather, a factor that consistently contributes to a fast, firm, and fair racing surface—a crucial point when analyzing form and pedigree. Historical climate data for this period show average high temperatures comfortably residing between 67°F and 72°F, with overnight lows ranging from 52°F to 57°F.

Crucially, the chance of significant rain remains extremely low, historically starting in November with only about a 7% chance of a wet day, meaning trainers and riders anticipate a lightning-fast, dry surface for Championship Saturday. This weather expectation significantly impacts the handicapping process; horses thrive when they carry speed over a firm surface, and those who prefer a deeper, more demanding track may find themselves at a disadvantage. Therefore, expect maximum speed figures and ultra-fast times, rewarding pure athleticism and a sharp, focused preparation leading up to this ultimate test of raw sprint capability.

Deciphering the Del Mar Racecard: Track Bias and Dynamics

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s dirt course, often affectionately called "The Seaside Oval," features distinct characteristics that heavily influence the outcome of six-furlong sprints, requiring a unique strategic approach from jockeys and trainers alike. The track is known for its sweeping, conventional turns.

Still, the short distance, particularly the abbreviated stretch run—which measures shorter than many other top American circuits—makes early positioning absolutely paramount. Jockeys must quickly establish a pace or secure a stalking position by the time they hit the final turn, as the short homestretch leaves minimal margin for error or late, sweeping runs from deep closers.

This configuration traditionally favors horses possessing superior tactical speed—those that break alertly and can sustain high cruising fractions. While low draw numbers typically receive a preference, history shows that a quick break and the ability to dictate pace prove far more critical than post position alone. For successful Breeders' Cup Sprint betting, bettors should prioritize runners who demonstrate proven early foot and competitive speed figures over tracks that demand early commitment, as a horse caught wide or far back at the top of the stretch will likely run out of ground before reaching the finish line.

A Look Back: Key Past Winners and Del Mar History

The Breeders' Cup Sprint roll call features some of the most excellent speed horses in modern racing history, establishing a clear profile of the type of champion required to capture this prestigious prize. Recent history showcases the dominance of horses able to repeat their efforts, highlighted emphatically by the brilliant Elite Power, who won consecutive editions in 2022 and 2023, and the outstanding Roy H, who accomplished the same feat in 2017 and 2018. Del Mar hosted the World Championships in 2017, where Roy H secured his first Sprint title, and in 2021, when Aloha West scored a narrow victory, demonstrating that California-based horses, or those who travel well and possess a familiarity with the idiosyncratic oval, often hold a key advantage.

Trainer Bob Baffert also holds the all-time winningest trainer title in this race with five victories, a testament to his expertise in developing elite-level sprinters and preparing them for the most demanding stage. When you evaluate the current field, remember that proven Grade 1 speed over various surfaces and a capacity to fire their best shot off an intense final prep run are non-negotiable prerequisites for victory when you bet on Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Complete Field Odds Analysis: Finding Value in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Sprint Odds

The 2025 renewal features an intense and talented field, which handicappers love because a competitive lineup often translates into generous Breeders' Cup Sprint odds, even on top contenders, providing exceptional value. The morning line shows a distinct pairing of favorites, with Bentornato (5/2) and Imagination (6/1) leading the charge, closely followed by the veteran Kopion (7/2) and the defending champion Straight No Chaser (8/1). A significant middle tier of horses, priced between 10/1 and 15/1—including Lovesick Blues, Banishing, Dr. Venkman, Nakatomi, and Mullikin—possesses the class and recent form to spring an upset.

Last Updated on 11/01/2025

This depth means that an astute punter must look beyond the top two choices and thoroughly analyze the form lines of the mid-range contenders. Finding a runner with a high-end speed figure who receives a perfect trip and offers double-digit Breeders' Cup Sprint odds represents the ultimate goal in this type of major wagering event. The dynamic nature of this race's pace means a collapse among the leaders could easily open the door for a capable stalker, reinforcing the need for a thorough analysis of the Breeders' Cup Sprint betting pool.

Contender Spotlight: Bentornato and Kopion Lead the Charge

Bentornato (FL), a four-year-old chestnut ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. and trained by Jose F. D'Angelo, enters the 2025 edition as the deserving morning line favorite at 5/2, seeking to improve upon his runner-up finish in last year's Sprint at Del Mar, demonstrating his high level of affinity for the local conditions. This talented colt strategically chose a light campaign, winning his only prep race—the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes—with ease in September, showing connections opted for ultimate freshness over exhaustive competition.

Ortiz, Jr. brings his signature aggressive tactical ability, ensuring Bentornato will secure a prime stalking position just off the expected hot pace, positioning him perfectly to unleash his devastating turn of foot in the short Del Mar stretch.

Stablemate and perennial threat Kopion (KY), a four-year-old filly ridden by Hall of Famer Mike E. Smith for veteran conditioner Richard E. Mandella, represents a potent challenge at 7/2 Breeders' Cup Sprint odds. Mandella, a master of preparing runners for the biggest stage, enters Kopion against the boys, a massive vote of confidence, after she consistently defeated her own gender in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company throughout the season.

Her inside draw at post position 1 demands an alert break from Smith, but her top speed figures (recently hitting 107+) make her a legitimate threat to become only the second filly since Safely Kept in 1990 to win this race, offering a compelling narrative and value proposition in the complex world of Breeders' Cup Sprint betting.

The Defending Champion and the Home Track Favorite

Straight No Chaser (KY), the six-year-old veteran and defending champion, returns to Del Mar under the guidance of John R. Velazquez for trainer Dan Blacker, carrying attractive 8/1 odds as he attempts to become the fourth horse to win back-to-back Sprints. Straight No Chaser possesses the perfect blend of tactical speed and sustained power that Del Mar favors, and his impressive Grade 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint win earlier this year confirms his continued top-level form. However, his preparation has been less visible domestically.

Blacker learned under the tutelage of Richard Mandella, and his patient conditioning of this top-class sprinter suggests Straight No Chaser peaks at the ideal moment.

Imagination (KY), a four-year-old colt trained by the aforementioned Bob Baffert and ridden by Juan J. Hernandez, enters at a competitive 6/1. Baffert’s presence, coupled with Imagination's recent Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship victory, which earned him a "Win and You're In" berth, makes him extremely dangerous. He defeated Dr. Venkman in that effort and has demonstrated an increasing level of speed and maturity throughout the season, presenting a classic high-class California contender ready to pounce on his home track.

Contender Breakdown: Value Plays and Longshot Considerations

Dr. Venkman (KY), a five-year-old gelding trained by Mark Glatt and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, sits in the middle tier at 15/1. Dr. Venkman has consistently run in high-level company all season, securing a Grade 2 Pat O’Brien victory at Del Mar in the summer before finishing as the runner-up to Imagination, proving he loves the track and possesses the necessary class. His running style typically involves sitting just off the lead, which suits the Del Mar stretch dynamics perfectly, making him a compelling option in the Breeders' Cup Sprint betting pool.

Lovesick Blues (CA), at 10/1 with jockey Geovanni Franco, provides an intriguing local angle after his surprising Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes win over this exact track and distance in the summer. That performance produced his highest career speed figure, and while his form can sometimes prove inconsistent, a fast pace could set the table for his best run, particularly as he receives pace to close into.

Nakatomi (KY), a six-year-old gelding for Wesley A. Ward at 15/1 with Jose L. Ortiz, brings strong, proven Graded Stakes form into the mix, highlighted by a Grade 1 Vanderbilt Handicap victory and a Grade 2 Phoenix Stakes win this fall. Nakatomi’s consistent speed figures and competitive performance at the highest level—even internationally, running second in the Dubai Golden Shaheen—make him an excellent candidate for an upset or a solid vertical exotic play despite the generous Breeders' Cup Sprint odds.

Analyzing the Remaining Field: Potential Exotic Fillers

The remainder of the field features several runners offering long Breeders' Cup Sprint odds who could round out the trifecta or superfecta in a chaotic scenario.

Mullikin (KY), a five-year-old horse ridden by the highly reliable Flavien Prat for Rodolphe Brisset at 15/1, enters off an impressive win but needs to prove he can compete with this caliber of Grade 1 sprinter.

Patriot Spirit (KY) and American Stage (KY), both at 30/1, likely face the steepest challenge in terms of required speed figures, although American Stage brings an international pedigree for trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai.

Big City Lights (CA), another Mandella-trained runner at 15/1 with Kazushi Kimura, provides solid local form but needs to produce a career-best performance. Finally, longshots Banishing (KY) (15/1), Mad House (FL) (30/1), and Whatchatalkinabout (NY) (30/1) primarily function as speed-and-fade pace setters or need a monumental pace collapse to factor into the final result.

Expert Analysis: Historical Betting Trends and Speed Figures

Handicappers looking for a definitive edge in their Breeders' Cup Sprint betting strategy must heed several long-standing historical trends. Firstly, the importance of last-race form cannot be overstated. Historically, over 88% of winners finished first or second in their final prep race, underscoring the importance of arriving at Del Mar in career-peak condition.

Secondly, tactical speed remains crucial; while few winners lead wire-to-wire, a large majority of champions position themselves in the top three by the half-mile mark, meaning a deep closer rarely succeeds in this scenario.

Thirdly, the average winning Equibase Speed Figure for the Sprint sits around 117.5, dictating that you must focus your analysis on horses who have either recently achieved or consistently run figures in this range throughout the season, establishing their bona fides against elite competition.

The current Breeders' Cup Sprint odds on Nakatomi and Dr. Venkman, in particular, appear attractive when applying this speed figure filter, as their consistent numbers suggest they are more capable than their morning line price implies, making them sharp value plays.

Mastering the Sprint's Pace Puzzle

The 2025 Breeders’ Cup Sprint promises a true test of speed, strategy, and execution over the demanding Del Mar oval, presenting a compelling wagering opportunity where value abounds. The race demands a horse who not only possesses sheer raw speed but also the tactical awareness to negotiate the short stretch and carry that pace over the six-furlong distance.

When you evaluate the Breeders' Cup Sprint betting pool, look for runners with proven Grade 1 speed figures—preferably over 115—who demonstrated strong recent form in a major final prep race, and whose running style allows them to stalk or press the pace. Bentornato is the logical favorite based on recent class and last year’s runner-up effort. Still, horses like Kopion, with her weight allowance and Mandella’s Midas touch, or Nakatomi, with his consistent international class, provide significant value and represent the kind of calculated risk that can dramatically increase your returns. Don't let this world-class dash flash by without getting your stake down.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Breeders' Cup Sprint Betting

You need every advantage when approaching a field this deep, especially when the track dynamics at Del Mar favor sharp, clean trips, making the ability to adapt to race-day developments non-negotiable for success.

Mastering the complexity of the Breeders' Cup Sprint odds involves not just evaluating speed figures, but also assessing the jockey's ability to navigate a crowded field and the trainer's capacity to have their horse peaking exactly on November 1st. We have provided a comprehensive map of contenders and critical trends, from the necessary average speed figure of 117.5 to the imperative of a strong last-out performance.

Use this expert breakdown to construct your wagers—from win bets on the favorites to complex exotic wagers that incorporate high-value longshots—and maximize your experience on Championship Saturday. Now is the time to finalize your selections and lock in your bets, transforming your knowledge into profit.

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.