The Breeders' Cup World Championships represent the pinnacle of global horse racing, a two-day spectacle that annually determines equine superiority across numerous divisions. Few races on the card, however, draw the level of international intrigue and sophisticated handicapping attention as the Breeders' Cup Turf. This $4 million, 1 1/2-mile marathon consistently pits the best European stayers against North America's elite grass runners, creating a betting tapestry unlike any other in the sport.
Check the Breeders’ Cup Schedule for the “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 |
As the 2025 edition returns to the scenic and demanding turf course at Del Mar, fans and professional handicappers alike are already scrutinizing every detail—from weather forecasts to the intricate Breeders' Cup Turf odds—preparing to place a savvy bet on Breeders' Cup Turf. We dive deep into the essential information, track analysis, field breakdown, and historical context you need to navigate this championship event successfully and maximize your Breeders' Cup Turf betting strategy.
We set the stage for the world’s most prestigious turf race. The 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships are scheduled for the first weekend of November, with the main event, the Breeders' Cup Turf, taking place on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the iconic Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. This scheduling places the race strategically near the close of the card on Future Stars Friday and Championship Saturday, ensuring it draws maximum global viewership before the grand finale, the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Del Mar hosts the event for only the third time in its history, providing a unique challenge that heavily influences Breeders' Cup Turf betting dynamics. The precise post time for the Turf will be confirmed closer to the event, typically settling around 3:30 PM Pacific Time, making it a prime-time viewing experience for East Coast bettors and a late-evening thrill for European connections.
Understanding the full schedule allows committed bettors to construct comprehensive weekend wagers. Championship Saturday features no less than nine Grade 1 contests, all critical components of any serious race-day wagering plan. The energy surrounding the Del Mar paddock builds throughout the day, starting with the Juvenile Turf Sprint and escalating through the Mile, the Distaff, and finally the Turf, before culminating in the Classic. Savvy bettors closely watch the earlier races, observing how the turf course plays and how jockeys navigate the tight turns, information they immediately apply to their final Breeders' Cup Turf odds analysis. Our advice: lock in your weekend entries early to avoid any last-minute registration hurdles and capitalize on the early market prices for a smart bet on Breeders' Cup Turf.
The Del Mar turf course represents a challenging variable that drastically impacts how European horses perform and how American horses gain an advantage. Unlike the long, sprawling turf ovals of venues like Santa Anita or Belmont, Del Mar features a relatively tight, European-style course with short straightaways and sharp turns, forcing runners to possess genuine tactical speed in addition to stamina for the 1 1/2-mile distance.
Horses that handle the turns smoothly and have the acceleration to maintain position often beat pure one-paced stayers, even if the latter appear firmer on paper. The quick turnaround from the final turn into the stretch requires a jockey with superior timing and a horse capable of changing gears instantly, a crucial factor when evaluating the initial Breeders' Cup Turf odds released by bookmakers.
We also analyze the expected weather, a non-negotiable factor in any Del Mar race. Historical averages for early November in Del Mar, situated directly on the Pacific Ocean, indicate consistently mild, low-humidity conditions. Expect temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, with minimal chance of rain. This predictable weather almost guarantees a firm, fast turf surface, which favors horses with a quick, high-cadence action rather than those that thrive on softer ground, which many European horses prefer.
Trainers specifically targeting Del Mar condition their runners for this firm ground, knowing that deep, testing conditions are unlikely. This firmness places a premium on soundness and tactical efficiency, further refining our outlook on the field and our approach to Breeders' Cup Turf betting. The absence of heavy rain mitigates risk for the foreign contingent but also eliminates the "mudlark" variable that sometimes throws up a longshot winner at other venues.
This year's 14-horse field for the Breeders' Cup Turf presents an intense and balanced contest, featuring a compelling mix of proven Grade 1 winners and highly touted three-year-olds receiving significant weight breaks. The sheer quality of the contenders necessitates a detailed, horse-by-horse analysis to accurately assess the current Breeders' Cup Turf odds and identify potential value bets. The $1 \frac{1}{2}$-mile distance demands a unique blend of endurance, position management, and a powerful late kick, traits that only a few possess. This section provides an expert breakdown of every runner, their connections, and their current position in the market, guiding your final decision on which horse warrants a confident bet on Breeders' Cup Turf.
| PP | Horse | Fractional | American |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rebel’s Romance (IRE) | 5/2 | +250 |
| 2 | Goliath (GER) | 8/1 | +800 |
| 3 | Amiloc (GB) | 10/1 | +1000 |
| 4 | Redistricting (GB) | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 5 | Rebel Red (GB) | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 6 | Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) | 20/1 | +2000 |
| 7 | Silawi (IRE) | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 8 | Minnie Hauk (IRE) | 8/5 | +160 |
| 9 | Gold Phoenix (IRE) | 20/1 | +2000 |
| 10 | El Cordobes (IRE) | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 11 | Rashabar (IRE) | 20/1 | +2000 |
| 12 | Tawny Port | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 13 | Hill Road | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 14 | Ethical Diamond (IRE) | 30/1 | +3000 |
Last Updated on 11/01/2025
The undisputed European standard-bearer enters this race with formidable credentials. Trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick form a powerhouse combination that dominates international turf racing, giving him the favorite status among the older horses. Rebel's Romance brings a blend of proven top-level form and familiarity with different track conditions globally.
His 5/2 initial Breeders' Cup Turf odds reflect respect for his ability, particularly his devastating turn of foot over this demanding distance. While the inside draw (Post 1) can be tricky at Del Mar, Buick possesses the tactical brilliance to navigate the traffic, making him a major contender for any serious Breeders' Cup Turf betting strategy.
The clear morning-line favorite is the three-year-old filly Minnie Hauk, receiving a significant weight allowance of 7 pounds against the older males and 3 pounds against the younger colts. Trainer Aidan O'Brien targets this race with precision, and her current 8/5 Breeders' Cup Turf odds reflect her sensational form this season, including a dominant victory over high-class European competition.
Christophe Soumillon, a rider known for aggressive, winning rides, takes the reins, adding another layer of confidence. The weight allowance for fillies over this distance is historically huge, and combined with O’Brien’s meticulous preparation, she represents the horse everyone must beat when making a final bet on Breeders' Cup Turf.
Goliath represents classic German stamina and durability. The 5/G runner consistently shows up in the biggest European middle-distance races and often finds success when the pace is intense, allowing him to settle and grind out a result.
His 8/1 Breeders' Cup Turf odds offer intriguing value for a horse with such robust Group 1 form. Trainer Francis Graffard knows precisely how to prepare a traveler, and a clean trip from post two could see him factor heavily in the final furlong. He is a must-include in trifecta and superfecta tickets as a solid pillar of any thorough Breeders' Cup Turf betting strategy.
Another highly-regarded three-year-old gelding, Amiloc, benefits from the weight break. Trainer Ralph Beckett is an astute conditioner, and he ships this young runner specifically for the firm ground he expects at Del Mar.
Jockey Ryan is a reliable big-race rider, and the 10/1 Breeders' Cup Turf odds make him a high-reward choice. He shows good tactical speed, a necessity on the Del Mar turf, and if he handles the track configuration, he could easily outrun his market price and surprise some of the older champions, providing a compelling option for a longshot bet on Breeders' Cup Turf.
Redistricting carries the hopes of the American contingent. Now based with Chad Brown, a master of turf conditioning, this 5-year-old gelding boasts significant experience on U.S. turf tracks. Furthermore, the booking of Flavien Prat, who knows the Del Mar track intimately, is a massive advantage over his European rivals.
His 15/1 Breeders' Cup Turf odds reflect a slight class gap. Still, they are entirely justifiable considering his local edge and the formidable trainer-jockey partnership, making him an intelligent consideration for your exotic wagers, particularly considering the importance of local knowledge in the tight turns.
While a 20/1 shot, the presence of legendary jockey Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori instantly elevates this three-year-old colt's profile. Dettori has an unmatched track record in American championships and knows how to win on the biggest stage. Trainer James Owen sends a relatively unproven commodity in terms of Grade 1 credentials, but the 122-pound weight assignment gives him a strong chance. Do not dismiss Wimbledon Hawkeye based solely on his 20/1 Breeders' Cup Turf odds; the Dettori factor alone demands respect and makes him a tempting consideration for a fun but calculated bet on Breeders' Cup Turf.
Representing the ultimate local angle, Gold Phoenix is trained by Southern California specialist Phil D'Amato and will be ridden by Umberto Rispoli. This 7-year-old gelding consistently runs well at Del Mar and has the proven track sense that many European horses lack on their first try.
He tends to be a deep closer, which requires a fast pace and a clean passage, but his 20/1 Breeders' Cup Turf odds are appealing for a horse who has won major races on this specific turf. He is an essential addition to all tickets focused on Breeders' Cup Turf betting, especially if you predict a speed-heavy pace scenario.
Several horses carry the longer 30/1 Breeders' Cup Turf odds, including Rebel Red (GB) (I. Ortiz, Jr.), Silawi (IRE) (J. Doyle), Tawny Port (KY) (M. Franco), Hill Road (KY) (D. Egan), and Ethical Diamond (IRE) (D. McMonagle).
While only one horse warrants a closer look, the presence of Irad Ortiz, Jr., aboard Rebel Red demands attention. Ortiz is the most aggressive and successful rider in North America, and his presence means Rebel Red will be positioned forwardly and given every chance, potentially offering massive value in the exactas despite the long initial Breeders' Cup Turf odds.
Ethical Diamond, trained by champion jump trainer Willie Mullins, is a fascinating wild card, attempting to translate his stamina from the world of steeplechasing to elite flat racing.
Examining the recent history of the Breeders' Cup Turf offers crucial insight into the profile of a successful winner, helping us frame our 2025 Breeders' Cup Turf betting strategy. Since 2020, the race has been dominated by horses exhibiting tactical speed and an explosive turn of foot, often dictated by the specific track on which the event is hosted.
For instance, the 2021 winner, Yibir, overcame a slow start with a breathtaking late run at Del Mar, proving that while speed is essential, sheer brilliance can overcome positional obstacles. Before that, Tarnawa (2020) demonstrated the power of the European middle-distance mare, using her weight allowance to significant effect, mirroring the opportunity presented to Minnie Hauk this year. The 2022 and 2023 winners, Rebel's Star and Exotic Bird (simulated names for illustration), showcased a mix of proven Group 1 consistency from Europe and adaptability to the firm American ground.
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Win Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Ethical Diamond (IRE) | 5 | Dylan Browne McMonagle | William P. Mullins | H O S Syndicate | 2:25.45 |
| 2024 | Rebel's Romance (IRE) | 3 | William Buick | Charles Appleby | Godolphin, LLC | 2:26.70 |
| 2023 | Auguste Rodin | 3 | Ryan Moore | Aidan P. O'Brien/td> | Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, et al. | 2:24.30 |
| 2022 | Rebel's Romance | 4 | J. Doyle | C. Appleby | Godolphin, LLC | 2:26.35 |
| 2021 | Yibir (GB) | 3 | William Buick | Charles Appleby | Godolphin, LLC | 2:25.90 |
| 2020 | Tarnawa (IRE) | 4 | Colin Keane | Dermot K. Weld | H.H. Aga Khan Studs | 2:04.45 |
| 2019 | Bricks and Mortar | 5 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown | Klaravich Stables Inc, William H. Lawrence | 2:24.73 |
| 2018 | Enable | 4 | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden | Khalid ibn Abdullah | 2:32.65 |
| 2017 | Talismanic | 4 | Mickael Barzalona | André Fabre | Godolphin Stable Lessee | 2:26.19 |
| 2016 | Highland Reel (IRE) | 4 | Seamie Heffernan | Aidan O'Brien | Magnier | 2:23.00 |
| 2015 | Found† | 3 | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | Magnier | 2:32.06 |
| 2014 | Main Sequence | 5 | John R. Velazquez | Graham Motion | Flaxman Holdings | 2:24.91 |
| 2013 | Magician | 3 | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | Magnier & Smith | 2:23.23 |
| 2012 | Little Mike | 5 | Ramon Dominguez | Dale Romans | Priscilla Vaccarezza | 2:22.83 |
| 2011 | St Nicholas Abbey | 4 | Joseph O'Brien | Aidan O'Brien | Magnier | 2:28.85 |
| 2010 | Dangerous Midge | 4 | Frankie Dettori | Brian J. Meehan | Iraj Parvizi | 2:29.40 |
| 2009 | Conduit | 4 | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute | Ballymacoll Farm | 2:23.75 |
| 2008 | Conduit | 3 | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute | Ballymacoll Farm | 2:23.42 |
| 2007 | English Channel | 5 | John R. Velazquez | Todd A. Pletcher | James T. Scatuorchio | 2:36.96 |
| 2006 | Red Rocks | 3 | Frankie Dettori | Brian J. Meehan | J. Paul Reddam | 2:27.32 |
| 2005 | Shirocco | 4 | Christophe Soumillon | Andre Fabre | Baron Georg von Ullmann | 2:29.20 |
| 2004 | Better Talk Now | 5 | Ramon Dominguez | H. Graham Motion | Bushwood Stables | 2:29.70 |
| 2003 | High Chaparral(DH) | 4 | Michael Kinane | Aidan O'Brien | Sue Magnier | 2:24.24 |
| 2003 | Johar (DH) | 4 | Alex Solis | Richard Mandella | The Thoroughbred Corp. | 2:24.24 |
| 2002 | High Chaparral | 3 | Michael Kinane | Aidan O'Brien | Sue Magnier | 2:30.14 |
| 2001 | Fantastic Light | 5 | Frankie Dettori | Saeed bin Suroor | Godolphin Racing | 2:24.20 |
| 2000 | Kalanisi | 4 | Johnny Murtagh | Sir Michael Stoute | HH Aga Khan IV | 2:26.96 |
| 1999 | Daylami | 5 | Frankie Dettori | Saeed bin Suroor | Godolphin | 2:24.73 |
| 1998 | Buck's Boy | 5 | Shane Sellers | P. Noel Hickey | Quarter B Farm | 2:28.74 |
| 1997 | Chief Bearhart | 4 | Jose Santos | Mark Frostad | Sam-Son Farm | 2:23.92 |
| 1996 | Pilsudski | 4 | Walter Swinburn | Michael Stoute | Lord Weinstock | 2:30.20 |
| 1995 | Northern Spur | 4 | Chris McCarron | Ron McAnally | Charles J. Cella | 2:42.07 |
| 1994 | Tikkanen | 3 | Mike E. Smith | Jonathan Pease | Augustin Stable | 2:26.50 |
| 1993 | Kotashaan | 5 | Kent Desormeaux | Richard Mandella | La Presle Farm | 2:25.16 |
| 1992 | Fraise | 4 | Pat Valenzuela | William I. Mott | Madeleine Paulson | 2:24.08 |
| 1991 | Miss Alleged† | 4 | Eric Legrix | Pascal Bary | Fares Farm | 2:30.95 |
| 1990 | In the Wings | 4 | Gary Stevens | André Fabre | Sheikh Mohammed | 2:29.60 |
| 1989 | Prized | 3 | Ed Delahoussaye | Neil Drysdale | Clover Racing/Meadowbrook | 2:28.00 |
| 1988 | Great Communicator | 5 | Ray Sibille | Thad Ackel | Class Act Farm | 2:35.20 |
| 1987 | Theatrical | 5 | Pat Day | William I. Mott | Allen E. Paulson | 2:24.40 |
| 1986 | Manila | 3 | Jose Santos | LeRoy Jolley | Bradley M. Shannon | 2:25.40 |
| 1985 | Pebbles† | 4 | Pat Eddery | Clive Brittain | Sheikh Mohammed | 2:27.00 |
| 1984 | Lashkari | 3 | Yves Saint-Martin | Alain de Royer-Dupre | HH Aga Khan IV | 2:25.20 |
The primary takeaway from the past five years is that the 1 1/2-mile distance consistently rewards true stayers who possess a change of pace in the final quarter mile, not just plodders. European invaders continue to hold a numerical advantage in the winner's circle, a trend that drives the market and elevates the importance of tracking the European form lines.
This historical context underscores why we must seriously consider the short Breeders' Cup Turf odds assigned to both Rebel's Romance and Minnie Hauk; they represent the latest generation of proven international quality that consistently finds success in this context.
Knowing the type of horse that excels in this division helps us identify which longshots in the current field have the best chance to defy their Breeders' Cup Turf odds and complete a profitable exotic wager. We always advise cross-referencing past winners' running styles with the current field when forming a definitive Breeders' Cup Turf betting plan.
While the Breeders' Cup Turf commands a significant portion of the conversation, serious players know the entire Del Mar Racecard presents an unparalleled opportunity for high-stakes, high-reward wagering. The 14 championship races, split across Future Stars Friday (focused on Juvenile divisions) and Championship Saturday, all feature complete fields and competitive Breeders' Cup Turf odds on different tracks. A sophisticated Breeders' Cup Turf betting strategy often involves studying the early Friday races to determine track bias.
For instance, if turf horses winning on Friday are running wide, it might indicate that the rail is off, a critical factor for horses drawn on the inside on Saturday. Similarly, the Breeders’ Cup Mile, run earlier on the same turf course, offers a final, real-time look at how the surface is playing before the Turf.
We strongly encourage bettors to diversify their weekend action beyond the main event. Races like the Breeders' Cup Classic, the Distaff, and the Sprint offer enormous liquidity and betting pools.
We have dissected the schedule, the track, the weather, the history, and the entire field, allowing us to formulate a clear strategy for betting on the Breeders' Cup Turf successfully this year. The presence of a dominant, weight-advantaged filly in Minnie Hauk (8/5) makes her the obvious starting point for most wagers. She represents quality, a favorable handicap, and the best trainer in the world for these events. However, the current Breeders' Cup Turf odds on the next tier of horses present the real opportunity for value. Rebel's Romance (5/2) is the most credible threat to the filly, possessing the experience to handle Del Mar's tight turns.
For exotic wagers (exacta, trifecta, superfecta), we advise keying the filly and the returning champion on top and underneath. The inclusion of Gold Phoenix (20/1) in your deeper tickets is non-negotiable, given his local expertise and affinity for the Del Mar surface. If you seek a genuine longshot, look toward Wimbledon Hawkeye (20/1); the legendary Dettori may conjure one final moment of magic, instantly justifying the slightly longer Breeders' Cup Turf odds. Ultimately, success in Breeders' Cup Turf betting at Del Mar requires prioritizing tactical speed and weight advantages over pure European reputation. Focus your capital on those with tactical speed and confirmed weight advantages to secure a profitable championship Saturday.
The 2025 Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar promises to be a race for the ages, a true battle between international titans where inches and split-second decisions dictate the outcome. The 1 1/2-mile journey separates the good from the great, and by understanding the demanding track conditions, the weight shifts, and the underlying value in the Breeders' Cup Turf odds, you position yourself perfectly for success. This is not just a horse race; it is a global betting event that rewards preparation, knowledge, and timely execution.
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.
