Update 10/28/2025 8:24 AM ET: Official morning line odds are confirmed for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) following the post draw at Del Mar:
A stacked field from rail to outside, setting the stage for what’s being called the most anticipated Breeders’ Cup Classic in decades.
Update 10/27/2025 8:21 PM ET: The final draw of the night is complete for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).
Update 10/27/2025 8:19 PM ET: The field is set for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). A powerhouse group of milers, including Mystik Dan, White Abarrio, and Citizen Bull, will face off in what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
Update 10/27/2025 8:15 PM ET: Post positions are finalized for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
Update 10/27/2025 8:08 PM ET: The stage is set for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), hailed by many as the Race of the Century. With a $7 million purse and a lineup featuring the greatest champions of recent years and this season’s brightest stars, anticipation is electric. Sovereignty, Sierra Leone, and Fierceness headline what could go down as the most competitive Breeders’ Cup Classic of all time.
Update 10/27/2025 8:04 PM ET: The Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), the second-richest race of the weekend with a $5 million purse, now has its post positions set.
Update 10/27/2025 8:00 PM ET: Post positions are in for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). Connections of Scottish Lassie were all smiles after drawing post position 5, a prime spot for their front-running mare.
Update 10/27/2025 7:55 PM ET: Post positions are now official for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.
Update 10/27/2025 7:51 PM ET: Post positions are in for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1). A full and competitive field is confirmed.
Update 10/27/2025 7:48 PM ET: The first of Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup races is now set, as post positions for the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) have been announced. Expect the draw to continue in the next few minutes with the remaining Saturday championship events.
Update 10/27/2025 7:40 PM ET: Post positions are now official for all Future Stars Friday races, featuring the Juvenile divisions. The live draw will continue shortly with the Saturday Breeders’ Cup championship races.
Update 10/27/2025 7:37 PM ET: The field is official for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).
Update 10/27/2025 7:34 PM ET: The official field is set for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar, featuring the top 2-year-olds heading into the weekend.
Update 10/27/2025 7:31 PM ET: The lineup is set for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1). Headlining the field are Final Accord, Infinite Sky, and Ultimate Love.
Update 10/27/2025 7:28 PM ET: The field is official for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1).
Update 10/27/2025 7:26 PM ET: The official field for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) is set, featuring Obliteration, Intricate Spirit, True Love, and Brussels among the key contenders.
Update 10/27/2025 6:51 PM ET: The 2025 Breeders’ Cup Post Draw is now live from Del Mar Racetrack. Trainers and owners are on hand as the official gate assignments are announced for this year’s showdown. Watch the live stream above for real-time draw results and the reactions of the connections.
With the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) set to go at Del Mar Racetrack, horseplayers are dissecting the odds and post positions before placing their bets to cash in on racing’s year-end crown jewel.
The field of up to 14 older horses and three-year-olds has wrapped up serious final works ahead of race day. Trainers and owners are optimistic that their charge can etch a line through history in the 1¼-mile marquee event.
From 7-4 morning-line favorite Sovereignty to value shots like Antiquarian and Baeza at roughly 15-1, this 1¼-mile test has boiled down to this: Will the young three-year-olds dominate, or will the seasoned older challengers hold them off in the stretch?
Sovereignty, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, enters after wins in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), both at the Classic distance of 1¼ miles, and a dominant Travers Stakes (G1) victory that underscores his top-tier credentials. His connections believe he’s built for this moment.
While the field is loaded, three horses are drawing the lion’s share of attention and wagering money: Sovereignty, Sierra Leone and Fierceness.
Sovereignty (trainer Bill Mott) comes in as the clear class-act 3-year-old. He broke through at the classic 1¼-mile trip with wins in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, then added the Travers Stakes to his resume. He has the blend of stamina and late turn that makes him a serious win threat.
Sierra Leone (trainer Chad Brown) is last year’s Classic winner and returns as a seasoned 4-year-old with everything to gain. He prefers coming from off the pace and has shown that style works at Del Mar. He’ll be betting on the second major headline.
Fierceness (trainer Todd Pletcher) is the older 4-year-old who has been quietly brilliant this year. His victory in the Pacific Classic at the same mile‐and‐a‐quarter distance at Del Mar shows he belongs in this upper echelon. He may not carry the top billing, but he’s absolutely in the win conversation.
Together they form the elite core of the 2025 Classic: a dominant 3-year-old (Sovereignty), a defending champ with proven closing gear (Sierra Leone), and a seasoned four-year-old threat with distance form (Fierceness).
While the headline horses dominate the conversation, these three runners are sure to attract serious wagering interest.
Mindframe (trainer Todd Pletcher) is the 4-year-old who defeated last year’s Classic winner in a major prep. He captured the Grade I Stephen Foster Stakes in June 2025, edging out Sierra Leone. His stalking style and proven ability at roughly the Classic distance make him a textbook “bet-on” secondary top-tier threat.
Journalism (trainer Michael McCarthy) brings big-time credentials from his three-year-old campaign: wins in the Santa Anita Derby and Haskell Stakes, runner-up finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. A three-year-old against older horses here, he offers upside, but also carries questions over trip and experience at this level.
Forever Young (trainer Yoshito Yahagi) is the Japanese-bred international entrant, with global wins (including the Saudi Cup) and a third-place finish in last year’s Classic. His style may play differently on U.S. dirt and against this field, but for bettors who like the “wild card” factor, he’s one to include.
While the big names draw most of the dollars, two horses could deliver value and shake up the payouts: Antiquarian and Baeza.
Antiquarian (trainer Todd Pletcher) has quietly built a compelling case and is listed around 15-1 on many morning lines. He captured the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup this season, registering a strong effort against older horses and proving he can handle the distance. His style is that of a stalker/press-the-pace type, which may benefit if the early fractions aren’t suicidal. He’s by no means the public favorite, but in a deep field, he represents smart value for bettors looking to beat the chalk.
Baeza (trainer John Shirreffs) offers another interesting angle. After a dominant win in the Grade I Pennsylvania Derby, he rose in the Breeders’ Cup power rankings and is now firmly on the radar. His pedigree and recent form suggest he’s more than just a long shot. If the early pace scenario falls his way and he finds room in the stretch, he could surprise with his number.
Neither is guaranteed to win, but they give serious bettors something to chew on beyond the favorites.
With the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic shaping up as a clash of generations, bettors face a tough but intriguing board.
Overall, this race sets up beautifully for exacta and trifecta spread tickets. The favorite looks formidable, but there’s enough parity among the next five or six runners to make payouts worth chasing.
With the gate almost set for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the storylines line up: aging champions seeking one more, rising 3-year-olds looking to prove themselves, and a distance that rewards stamina and speed. The drama will hinge not just on who’s the best horse but who gets the break, avoids traffic, and executes on the day.
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.
