Racing’s Elite Assembles At Del Mar For Breeders’ Cup 2025

[Wandering Eyes]

A total of 207 pre-entries from around the globe–including some 52 from overseas-based gallopers–was announced Wednesday afternoon for the 14 races comprising the 42nd running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships to be held Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

The GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic is the richest of the weekend's contests at $7 million and has attracted 11 pre-entries, headed by Godolphin's dual Classic winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), who will look to make the 10-furlong contest his fourth Grade I conquest and give him a leg up on Horse of the Year honors to go with his likely laurels as champion 3-year-old. Back to defend his title is 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), this year's winner of the GI Whitney Stakes, and also back are the two classy horses that rounded out the minors 12 months back in the form of 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Fierceness (City of Light)–the 2023 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner and making the final start of his career before heading off to Ashford Stud to begin his second career–and Japan's Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), winner of a G1 Saudi Cup for the ages this past February and returning to Del Mar off a successful prep at home early this month.

In addition to the swan-songing Fierceness, Repole Stable is also represented by 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Mindframe (Constitution), who is campaigned in partnership with St Elias Stable and looking to become a treble Grade I winner at three different distances this season. Joining Sovereignty as part of a tremendous class of sophomores in 2025 is Journalism (Curlin), thrilling winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby, GI Preakness Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes; and the multiple Classic-placed Baeza (McKinzie), who celebrated a coming-out moment of sorts in the GI Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 20.

'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Locked (Gun Runner) is a second Classic starter for his sire and one of four overall from the Todd Pletcher barn, alongside GI Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Antiquarian (Preservationist). GI Goodwood Stakes upsetter Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach) represents the always-dangerous Bob Baffert shedrow and the field is completed by Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief), who is entered to ensure a good pace for stablemate Sierra Leone.

“The incredible group of horses pre-entered for this year's Breeders' Cup reflects the unmatched quality and global prestige of the World Championships,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “The divisions are loaded with champions, classic winners, and international stars. We are deeply grateful to the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, and teams, whose dedication and care make it possible for these extraordinary Thoroughbreds to put on an incredible show.”

Fleming continued, “Our thanks also go to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for their partnership, to our nominators for their vital support, and to the passionate fans and bettors whose enthusiasm continues to drive our sport forward. We can't wait to deliver another unforgettable edition of the World Championships at Del Mar.”

Post positions for all 14 championship races will be assigned Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.

This story will be updated

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