The field for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) should come into better focus on Saturday after three “Win and You’re In’’ challenge races award the winners automatic berths into the race that often determines a champion.
Among the trio of major stepping stones to the BC Juvenile is the $650,000 Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, the site of the Breeders’ Cup on Oct. 30-31.
The 1 1/16-mile Futurity for 2-year-olds has added significance this year as the Juvenile will be run over the same surface at the same distance in four weeks. A home track advantage can’t hurt, right?
The other “WAYI” races to the Juvenile on Saturday are the $500,000 Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and the $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita.
The Futurity winner has gone on to win the Juvenile and earn the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old male three times in the past six years: Ted Noffey in 2025, Forte in 2022, and Essential Quality in 2020.
In addition, the Futurity is a Kentucky Derby (G1) prep, awarding the top five finishers qualifying points of 10-5-3-2-1 on a sliding scale.
Post time for the race is 5:16 p.m. ET, a little over an hour after the Champagne and about two hours before the American Pharoah.
Coach Pope is the 4-5 morning-line favorite over Q B Rocket (2-1). Trained by Kenny McPeek, Coach Pope finished second on his career debut at Saratoga on Aug. 8 – behind Gaudreau and ahead of U.S.S. Valor, both of whom are entered in the Champagne.
Here’s a look at the field:
Coach Pope, a son of Tapit purchased for $350,000 for Gainesway Stable and Shamrock Stables, was a solid second in his debut at the Spa and then rolled to a 12 ¼-length victory at Churchill Downs on Sept. 12 going a mile. He stalked the pace, took charge with a quarter-mile to go, and cruised home under jockey Jose Ortiz, who will be aboard leaving post 1. The clear favorite that likely will enjoy the longer distance.
Q B Rocket, a $1.9 million yearling purchase for Spendthrift Farm and Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, is a son of top sire Gun Runner. He won easily in his debut at Saratoga on Aug. 15 at 6 furlongs, and trainer Brad Cox is hoping he’s ready to step up in his second start. Junior Alvarado has the call from post 2.
Phone Booth should not be ignored. The Doug O’Neill-trained colt has three races – all at Del Mar – with a career debut win and two runner-up finishes to unbeaten Hughes, the favorite in the American Pharoah. Regular rider Umberto Rispoli will be aboard from post 3.
Title Worthy (20-1) is 2-for-2 for trainer Dallas Stewart. A gray son of Title Ready, Title Ready has shown good early speed in winning over sloppy tracks at Ellis Park and Churchill Downs. A bargain $30,000 purchase, the colt takes a huge step forward against some tough competition.
Jaded (15-1) will have the services of returning Irad Ortiz, Jr., after winning in his career debut on the turf at Kentucky Downs on Aug. 30. Trained by Mark Casse, the son of Olympiad staged a late rally and won by a nose. Can he do the same on dirt? Maybe, but hard to envision him in the winner’s circle
American History (4-1), an $825,000 yearling purchase, may be a bit under the radar in this one. Trained by Todd Pletcher and with John Velazquez aboard, the son of Constitution won in his career debut by 7 ¾ lengths going 6 furlongs at Saratoga on Aug. 22. Win contender.
Even at this early stage, several top 2-year-olds are sidelined, among them The Good Life, winner of the Hopeful Stakes (G1), Twinkle Town, winner of the Saratoga Special (G2), and career debut winners Pharocity and Inshallah. Also, the ownership group of U.S.S. Valor may opt out of the Juvenile.
| # | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coach Pope (KY) | Jose L. Ortiz | Kenneth G. McPeek | 4-5 |
| 2 | Q B Rocket (KY) | Junior Alvarado | Brad H. Cox | 2-1 |
| 3 | Phone Booth (CA) | Umberto Rispoli | Doug F. O'Neill | 12-1 |
| 4 | Title Worthy (KY) | Gerardo Corrales | Dallas Stewart | 30-1 |
| 5 | Jaded (KY) | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Mark E. Casse | 15-1 |
| 6 | American History (KY) | John R. Velazquez | Todd A. Pletcher | 4-1 |
Last Updated on 10/01/2026
Richard Rosenblatt is an award-winning journalist and former Associated Press Horse Racing Editor. Currently, he serves as the news editor at US Racing, overseeing exclusive content from contributors worldwide.
