The Breeders' Cup World Championships, often hailed as the "Olympics of Horse Racing," descends upon the picturesque seaside setting of Del Mar, California, this year. Nowhere does the promise of raw speed and sheer grit shine brighter than in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).
Check the Breeders’ Cup schedule for “Championship Saturday”
| Race | Race Name | Post Time ET |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Sunrise (Allowance) | 1:05pm |
| 2 | The Ocean View (Allowance) | 1:40pm |
| 3 | Goldikova Stakes (G3) | 2:15pm |
| 4 | Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) | 3:00pm |
| 5 | Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) | 3:41pm |
| 6 | Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) | 4:21pm |
| 7 | Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) | 5:01pm |
| 8 | Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) | 5:41pm |
| 9 | Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) | 6:25pm |
| 10 | Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) | 7:05pm |
| 11 | Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile | 7:45pm |
| 12 | Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) | 8:25pm |
This middle-distance championship stands as a pivotal moment on Championship Saturday, testing versatile horses over an exacting, one-turn distance that demands both blistering early pace and sustained finishing power.
As the sun sets over the Pacific, ten exceptional runners will challenge the historic Del Mar main track, vying for a spot in racing immortality. Understanding the schedule, tracking the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds, and dissecting the form of each contender provides the crucial edge for enthusiasts and bettors alike. We break down everything you need to know about the 2025 edition, from broadcast details to expert picks, so you can prepare to maximize your experience and winnings.
Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the two-day festival of elite racing, but the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile takes center stage during the nine Grade 1 events held on Championship Saturday. The 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships run on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1. You can watch every race, including the key juvenile events on Future Stars Friday and the entire main card on Saturday, across a comprehensive lineup of television and streaming platforms. Del Mar hosts the entire spectacular, bringing the action back to the highly popular, intimate Southern California venue.
NBC, USA Network, and Peacock handle the bulk of the domestic broadcasting, ensuring widespread availability for the most important events. Coverage kicks off early on Saturday, November 1, running primarily on the USA Network before shifting to the leading NBC network for the most prestigious, high-purse events of the day, including the Longines Classic. The Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, set for late on the card, boasts a targeted post time of 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), or 4:45 p.m. Pacific Time (PT). Racing fans should check local listings and the BUSR Experience schedule, which provides live, in-depth coverage for the entire day, beginning with the first race and continuing through all the undercard action. Subscribing to a reliable betting platform often offers access to live race feeds, enhancing your ability to make informed decisions as the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting market develops. Don't miss a minute of the analysis, paddock coverage, and commentary leading up to the gate opening for this thrilling mile test.
Mark your calendars: the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The race is scheduled as one of the final Championship races, lending it significant dramatic weight as the day progresses toward the climactic Classic. The specific post time, 7:45 p.m. ET, means the race runs during the beautiful, late-afternoon twilight hours in Del Mar, California. This timing presents a strategic advantage to late-running horses, as the cooler air often helps horses sustain their speed over the final crucial furlongs.
Weather conditions in Del Mar during early November almost universally favor high-quality racing. Historical data confirms that Southern California experiences clear skies, low humidity, and moderate temperatures ranging from the low 50s Fahrenheit in the morning to the high 60s or low 70s during the afternoon. The chance of rain remains minimal, typically less than 10%, meaning horsemen and bettors confidently anticipate a fast and firm dirt track.
A fast track at Del Mar generally favors tactical speed and horses who can quickly accelerate around the tight turns. This consistency in track conditions removes the variable of mud or a sealed surface, which dramatically alters form and makes handicapping less reliable. When you bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, you are betting on pure talent and training over environmental factors, a rare luxury in championship racing.
While the Dirt Mile focuses our attention, the entire Breeders' Cup weekend at Del Mar offers a feast of international competition, creating outstanding opportunities for Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting. Future Stars Friday, held on October 31, focuses exclusively on two-year-olds, establishing the likely champions for next year's Triple Crown races. Friday's card showcases future stars on both dirt and turf, setting the high-stakes tone for the weekend.
Championship Saturday, November 1, presents an unparalleled succession of Grade 1 contests, beginning with the Filly and Mare Sprint and running through the Longines Classic. The card includes the Distaff, a powerful test for elite fillies and mares, the Turf Sprint, which showcases blazing speed, and the Longines Turf, drawing the best middle-to-long distance grass runners from around the globe. Savvy bettors treat the entire card as a cohesive unit, looking for track biases or prevailing speed patterns established earlier in the day to inform their wagers on the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. The quality across the racecard ensures continuous, thrilling action, keeping bettors engaged and maximizing their opportunities to bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and all the other rich races.
The Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile boasts a history rich with repeat champions, highlighting the difficulty and prestige of mastering the demanding distance. Since its inception in 2007, the race has established itself as a home for specialists who command a precise blend of sprint speed and route stamina. Only two horses have managed to win the event twice, establishing them as legends of the race: Goldencents, who scored back-to-back victories in 2013 and 2014, and the fan-favorite Cody's Wish, who captured the crown in both 2022 and 2023. These dual winners cement the notion that once a horse finds their rhythm at this distance, they becomes incredibly dangerous.
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Win Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nysos | 4 | Flavien Prat | Bob Baffert | Baoma Corp | 1:34.71 |
| 2024 | Full Serrano (ARG) | 5 | Joel Rosario | John Sadler | Hronis Racing, LLC | 1:35.48 |
| 2023 | Cody’s Wish | 4 | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | Godolphin, LLC | 1:35.97 |
| 2022 | Cody’s Wish | 4 | Junior Alvarado | William I. Mott | Godolphin, LLC | 1:35.33 |
| 2021 | Life is Good | 3 | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Todd Pletcher | WinStar Farm, LLC & CHC, Inc. | 1:34.12 |
| 2020 | Knicks Go | 4 | Joel Rosario | Brad Cox | Korea Racing Authority | 1:33.85 |
| 2019 | Spun to Run | 3 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Juan Carlos Guerrero | Robert P. Donaldson | 1:36.58 |
| 2018 | City of Light | 4 | J. Castellano | Michael McCarthy | Mr. & Mrs. William K Warren Jr. | 1:33.83 |
| 2017 | Battle Of Midway | 3 | Flavien Prat | Jerry Hollendorfer | Don Alberto Stable / WinStar Farm LLC | 1:35.20 |
| 2016 | Tamarkuz | 6 | Mike Smith | Kiaran McLaughlin | Shadwell Stable | 1:35.72 |
| 2015 | Liam's Map | 4 | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher | Teresa Viola Racing Stables | 1:34.54 |
| 2014 | Goldencents | 4 | Rafael Bejarano | Leandro Mora | W. C. Racing | 1:35.19 |
| 2013 | Goldencents | 3 | Rafael Bejarano | Doug O'Neill | W. C. Racing et al | 1:35.12 |
| 2012 | Tapizar | 4 | Corey Nakatani | Steven M. Asmussen | Winchell Thoroughbreds | 1:35.34 |
| 2011 | Caleb's Posse | 3 | Rajiv Maragh | Donnie K. Von Hemel | McNeil Stables/Cheyenne Stables | 1:34.59 |
| 2010 | Dakota Phone | 5 | Joel Rosario | Jerry Hollendorfer | Todaro / Halo Farms / Carver / Hollendorfer | 1:35.29 |
| 2009 | Furthest Land | 4 | Julien Leparoux | Michael J. Maker | Ken & Sarah Ramsey | 1:35.50 |
| 2008 | Albertus Maximus | 4 | Garrett Gomez | Vladimir Cerin | Brandon & Marianne Chase | 1:33.41 |
| 2007 | Corinthian | 4 | Kent Desormeaux | James A. Jerkens | Centennial Farms | 1:39.06 |
Other notable winners who stamped their authority on the race include Knicks Go (2020), who used the Dirt Mile as a springboard to an Eclipse Award, and City of Light (2018), who later captured the Classic. These previous champions confirm the race's status as a serious proving ground for top-tier dirt talent. This year, 2024 winner Full Serrano attempts to join the elite two-time winner club, injecting tremendous history into the 2025 renewal. Analyzing the pace profile of these past winners, many of whom possessed tactical speed or a devastating late kick, gives us essential clues for evaluating the current Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds and formulating a strategy for your Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting plan.
This year’s running presents a deep, contentious field, combining proven Grade 1 performers with exciting three-year-olds stepping up to challenge their elders. The morning-line odds, set by the handicapper, provide an initial indication of public and expert perception, guiding the early flow of money before the real-time action begins.
Analyzing the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds reveals Nysos as the clear favorite, a reflection of his connections and dominant form, but defending champion Full Serrano sits dangerously close behind him. The depth of talent means finding value becomes paramount, offering significant opportunities for those who look beyond the top two. Understanding the official Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds structure before you finalize your decision to bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile ensures you place smart, calculated wagers, targeting maximum returns from the generous $1 million purse. We dissect the whole field below, offering an expert take on each contender's chances.
| PP | Horse | Fractional | American |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Will Take It | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 2 | Goal Oriented | 6/1 | +600 |
| 3 | Nysos | 8/5 | +160 |
| Scratched | SCR | SCR | |
| 5 | Tumbarumba | 20/1 | +2000 |
| 6 | Full Serrano (ARG) | 7/2 | +350 |
| 7 | Citizen Bull | 10/1 | +1000 |
| 8 | Chancer McPatrick | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 9 | Touch of Destiny (URU) | 20/1 | +2000 |
| 10 | White Abarrio | 8/1 | +800 |
Last Updated on 11/01/2025
Nysos, the morning-line favorite at 8/5, represents the formidable combination of trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Flavien Prat. This four-year-old colt carries a significant weight of expectation, often justifying short prices with authoritative performances. Prat, a master of the Del Mar track, perfectly understands how to rate a speed horse and unleash a finishing move around the tight turns.
At 126 pounds, Nysos has the class and tactical speed to command the pace, making him the most likely winner and a necessary component of any exotics ticket. Handicappers placing a straight bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile naturally gravitate toward this powerhouse, recognizing his superior form line and ability to handle the championship pressure. His low Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds reflect his consistency and undeniable talent.
The defending champion Full Serrano returns to Del Mar, attempting to achieve the rare feat of winning the Dirt Mile in back-to-back years. Trained by John W. Sadler, who knows how to prepare a horse for a peak performance over this local surface, the six-year-old gelding retains the services of jockey Joel Rosario, a rider who demonstrated flawless timing in last year's victory.
His 7/2 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds offer excellent value for a defending champion, suggesting the field has considerable depth this year, but Full Serrano’s proven track record at Del Mar and at this exact distance makes him a powerful threat. Bettors considering a repeat will confidently bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile with Full Serrano, knowing he thrives on the pressure of a championship race. His tactical versatility allows him to adapt to any pace scenario.
Goal Oriented, one of three runners for trainer Bob Baffert, enters the Dirt Mile as a dangerous three-year-old taking on older horses, benefiting from a three-pound weight concession (123 pounds). Ridden by Luis Saez, this colt showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year, suggesting he has the raw talent to compete at this Grade 1 level.
Baffert’s dominance with younger horses cannot be overstated, and Goal Oriented's 6/1 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting value positions him as the most appealing of the three Baffert trainees for those seeking an upset. His three-year-old allowance and fitness make him a serious contender for the exacta and trifecta slots.
The Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan stretches back out in distance after a strong campaign, making his presence known in the Dirt Mile field. Trainer Kenneth G. McPeek prepares the four-year-old colt, guided by jockey Flavien Arrieta, in an ambitious move that capitalizes on the horse’s proven class and versatility.
While the Classic often presents a challenge for Derby winners, the shorter Dirt Mile distance suits Mystik Dan’s style perfectly, allowing him to use his turn of foot effectively. His 6/1 price on the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds board gives bettors a classic winner at surprisingly generous value, making him a compelling option for a bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
Former Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio returns to the Championships, shifting to the Dirt Mile distance under the expert preparation of trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. The six-year-old horse commands respect, especially with Irad Ortiz, Jr., aboard, who maintains an unparalleled record in Breeders’ Cup races.
While 8/1 seems long for a Classic champion, it reflects the intense speed requirement of the one-mile distance, which might stretch his preferred pacing style. However, White Abarrio possesses undeniable closing speed, and if the pace runs hot, he could easily prove the class of the field, offering immense value in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting market.
Another Bob Baffert-trained three-year-old, Citizen Bull, stands as a serious contender at 10/1. Jockey Juan J. Hernandez takes the reins on this promising colt, who also benefits from the 123-pound weight allowance. Citizen Bull demonstrated high-level competence in his juvenile campaign, and the move to the Dirt Mile feels like a calculated one for a colt developing his sustained speed.
He offers a lower-profile option than his stablemate, Nysos, but represents a potent threat to hit the board, providing excellent value for exotic tickets. Consider him strongly when you plan to bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile trifectas or superfectas.
Trainer Chad C. Brown, primarily known for turf prowess, nonetheless brings Chancer McPatrick to the dirt, showcasing his confidence in this three-year-old colt. Jose L. Ortiz, a high-percentage rider, gets the call, and at 15/1, this colt offers genuine upset potential.
Brown often targets Grade 1 races with horses ready to peak, making Chancer McPatrick a dark horse in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds. His three-year-old status and powerful connections suggest he merits close attention, potentially providing a lucrative return for a well-placed bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
Tumbarumba, a five-year-old gelding trained by Brian A. Lynch, finished fourth in the previous running of this race, proving his affinity for the distance and the championship atmosphere. Tyler Gaffalione rides, bringing a high level of talent to the saddle.
His 20/1 odds represent a tempting longshot proposition for the seasoned bettor. This runner consistently performs well at the mile distance, and his prior experience on this very stage cannot be discounted. Tumbarumba remains a strong value proposition for those seeking to bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and spice up their payout.
The international angle arrives with Touch of Destiny, a three-year-old colt from Uruguay, trained by Michael W. McCarthy and ridden by Luis Caceres. International shippers often hold an advantage in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting, as domestic handicappers sometimes underestimate their form. This colt has demonstrated exceptional capability, successfully taking on older horses in his early career. At 20/1, Touch of Destiny offers outstanding value, especially if his speed translates seamlessly to the Del Mar surface. Placing a small bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile on this runner could yield a huge payoff if he delivers his best performance.
Will Take It, a four-year-old colt, enters the race as the longest shot on the board at 30/1, trained by D. Stewart and ridden by veteran Mike E. Smith. Smith, a Hall of Famer, brings immense experience, often finding the perfect spot for longshots in primary races. While his Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds suggest a challenging task, horses at this price sometimes surprise, often benefiting from an extreme pace collapse. He remains a valuable component for the tail end of superfecta wagers, especially given the experience of his jockey.
Successfully navigating the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile requires more than just picking the fastest horse; it demands a keen understanding of pace and track profile. Del Mar is known for favoring speed, yet the mile distance often sets up a blistering early pace that can melt down frontrunners. Look for horses with tactical speed—runners who can sit just off the lead (like Nysos or Full Serrano) and save their energy for the final quarter-mile.
For win and place wagers, focusing on the top four in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile odds—Nysos, Full Serrano, Goal Oriented, and Mystik Dan—provides the highest probability of success. However, the best value lies in the exotic bets (Exactas, Trifectas, and Superfectas). Including the 10/1 shot Citizen Bull and the proven veteran White Abarrio (8/1) in your vertical wagers substantially increases your potential payout while maintaining a logical ticket. Remember to utilize the expertise available through your betting platform to track late scratches or changes in the odds before you definitively bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
The 2025 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile promises a heart-stopping, high-stakes battle as champions and up-and-comers collide under the Del Mar lights. This is not merely a race; it's a statement, defining the best middle-distance horse in the world.
With multiple world-class trainers, Hall of Fame jockeys, and an array of thrilling Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile contenders, the action is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Don't let this incredible opportunity pass you by. Stop standing on the sidelines and start playing the odds! Stay tuned to US Racing, access the best Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile betting resources, and get ready to bet on Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile to turn your expert analysis into championship-level winnings.
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.
