2025 Breeders' Cup Contenders, Entries, and Top Horses
Race Events > Breeders' Cup > Contenders
Which horses are running in the 2025 Breeders' Cup?
Meet the Breeders' Cup Contenders based on the victors of "win and you're in" Challenge races.
Last updated: November 1, 2025 at 7:07 p.m. EDT
Breeders' Cup Contenders & Entries
The latest contenders for the 2025 Breeders' Cup can be found below. Final entries are drawn the Tuesday of Breeders' Cup Week.
- Breeders' Cup Friday - Contenders based on the victors of "win and you're in" Challenge Series races.
- Breeders' Cup Saturday - Contenders based on the victors of "win and you're in" Challenge Series races.
- FILLY & MARE SPRINT | TURF SPRINT | DIRT MILE | FILLY & MARE TURF | SPRINT | MILE | DISTAFF | TURF | CLASSIC
2025 Breeders' Cup Contenders for Future Stars Friday
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE TURF SPRINT (GI) is a 5 furlong race for 2-year-olds. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1 million, including travel awards.
CHARLES DARWIN (IRE)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Dereck Smith and Westerberg
BC Challenge Race won: The Norfolk Stakes
LADY IMAN (IRE)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: G. M. Lyons
Owner: Mrs. A. O'Callaghan
BC Challenge Race won: Molecomb Stakes
INTRICATE SPIRIT
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Miguel Clement
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds; Madaket Stables LLC; Kenneth G. & Gail P. Beitz
BC Challenge Race won: The Futurity
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE TURF (GI) is a one mile race for 2-year-old colts and geldings to be run on the turf. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1 million, including travel awards.
Gewan (GB)
Jockey: P.J. McDonald
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Owner: Zhang Yuesheng
BC Challenge Race won: Acomb Stakes
Benvenuto Cellini (IRE)
Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Trainer: A.P. O'Brien
Owner: Brant/Magnier/Tabor/Westerberg/Smith
BC Challenge Race won: Champions Juvenile Stakes
Argos
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Riley Mott
Owner: David S. Romanik
BC Challenge Race won: Summer Stakes
BOTTAS
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Raymond Handal
Owner: Magic Carpet Racing and Catherine Coyle
BC Challenge Race won: Pilgrim Stakes
FINAL SCORE
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
BC Challenge Race won: Bourbon Stakes
PUERTO RICO (IRE)
Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Owner: Coolmore Partners
BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES (GI) is a 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-old fillies. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $2 million, including travel awards.
Tommy Jo
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Spendthrift Farm LLC
BC Challenge Race won: The Spinaway
Tommy Jo
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Spendthrift Farm LLC
BC Challenge Race won: Darley Alcibiades
Explora
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Oak Leaf T.C. LP
BC Challenge Race won: Oak Leaf Stakes
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF (GI) is a one mile race for 2-year-old fillies to be run on the turf. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1 million, including travel awards.
Precise (IRE)
Jockey: Wayne Lordan
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Owner: D. Smith/Mrs. J. Magnier/ M. Tabor/ Westerberg
BC Challenge Race won: William Hill Prestige Fillies' Stakes
Corsia Veloce (CAN)
Jockey: Fraser Aebly
Trainer: Josie Carroll
Owner: Glenn Sikura & Mario Serrani
BC Challenge Race won: Natalma Stakes
Precise (IRE)
Jockey: Ronan Whelan
Trainer: A.P. O'Brien
Owner: D. Smith/Mrs. J. Magnier/ M. Tabor/ Westerberg
BC Challenge Race won: Moyglare Stud Stakes
IMAGINATIONTHELADY
Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Owner: Mark Dobbin
BC Challenge Race won: Jessamine Stakes
GROUND SUPPORT
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Trainer: Kelsey Danner
Owner: NBS Stable
BC Challenge Race won: Miss Grillo Stakes
DIAMOND NECKLACE (IRE)
Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Owner: M. Tabor, D. Smith, Mrs. J. Magnier, & Westerberg
BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE (GI) is a 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-old colts and geldings. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $2 million, including travel awards.
NAPOLEON SOLO
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Chad Summers
Owner: Gold Square LLC
BC Challenge Race won: Champagne Stakes
TED NOFFEY
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Spendthrift Farm
BC Challenge Race won: Breeders' Futurity
INTREPIDO
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Spendthrift Farm
BC Challenge Race won: American Pharoah Stakes
2025 Breeders' Cup Entries for Championship Saturday
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT (GI) is a seven furlong race for 3-year-olds and up, fillies & mares. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1 million, including travel awards.
Hope Road
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Cicero Farms LLC
BC Challenge Race won: The Ballerina
Haulin Ice
Jockey: Edgard Zayas
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC, Paul Braverman, Miller Racing LLC & Timothy Pinch
BC Challenge Race won: The Princess Rooney
PRAYING
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Robert Medina
Owner: Newtown Anner Stud Farm
BC Challenge Race won: Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP TURF SPRINT (GI) is a five furlong race for 3-year-olds and up to be run on the turf. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1 million, including travel awards.
AG BULLET
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Owner: Calvin Nugyen & Joey C. Tran
BC Challenge Race won: The Jaipur Stakes
AMERICAN AFFAIR (GB)
Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Trainer: Jim Goldie
Owner: Baqrraston Racing & J.S. Goldie
BC Challenge Race won: King Charles III Stakes
Asfoora (AUS)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Trainer: Henry Dwyer
Owner: Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd
BC Challenge Race won: Nunthorpe Stakes
Motorious (GB)
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Trainer: Phillip D'Amato
Owner: Anthony Fanticola
BC Challenge Race won: Green Flash Handicap
Bear River
Jockey: James Graham
Trainer: J. Keith Desormeaux
Owner: Charles K. Marquis
BC Challenge Race won: Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint
Arizona Blaze (GB)
Jockey: David Egan
Trainer: Adrian Murray
Owner: AMO Racing Limited & Giselle De Aguiar
BC Challenge Race won: Bar One Flying Five Stakes
Asfoora (AUS)
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Trainer: Henry Dwyer
Owner: Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd
BC Challenge Race won: Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines
Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP DIRT MILE (GI) is a one mile race for 3-year-olds and up. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1 million, including travel awards.
RAGING TORRENT
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Trainer: Doug O'Neill
Owner: Yueshang Zhang & Craig Dado
BC Challenge Race won: Metropolitan Handicap
TOUCH OF DESTINY (URU)
Jockey: Luis Caceres
Trainer: Raimundo Soares
Owner: Haras Phillipson, Inc.
BC Challenge Race won: Asociación Uruguaya de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera
Dr. Venkman
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Owner: Alipony Racing, Dan J. Agnew, Clint Bunch & James Hailey
BC Challenge Race won: Pat O'Brien Stakes
Book'em Danno
Jockey: Paco Lopez
Trainer: Derek S. Ryan
Owner: Atlantic Six Racing
BC Challenge Race won: The Forego
Diktaean
Jockey: Takayuki Yano
Trainer: Katsunori Arayama
Owner: G1 Racing Co.
BC Challenge Race won: Korea Cup
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE TURF (GI) is a 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, to be run on the turf. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $2 million, including travel awards.
DOUBLE GRAND SLAM (SAF)
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Trainer: Seamus Snaith
Owner: Drakenstein Stud, D.D. Maclean & G.J. Player
BC Challenge Race won: Cartier Paddock Stakes
ASCOLI PICENO (JPN)
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Trainer: Yoichi Kuroiwa
Owner: Sunday Racing
BC Challenge Race won: Victoria Mile
LA KIKA (PER)
Jockey: Diego Lozano Gave
Trainer: Luis Quimper
Owner: Amistad
BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio Pamplona
WHIRL (IRE)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: A. P. O'Brien
Owner: Mr. M. Tabor, D. Smith & Mrs. John Magni
BC Challenge Race won: Nassau Stakes
SHE FEELS PRETTY
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: Lael Stables
BC Challenge Race won: E.P. Taylor Stakes
Minnie Hauk (IRE)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Owner: Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor
BC Challenge Race won: Yorkshire Oaks
Bellezza (IRE)
Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez
Trainer: Miguel Clement
Owner: Moyglare Stud Farm, Ltd.
BC Challenge Race won: The Flower Bowl
Fallen Angel (GB)
Jockey: James Doyle
Trainer: K.R. Burke
Owner: Wathnan Racing
BC Challenge Race won: Matron Stakes
MISSION OF JOY
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Philip D'Amato
Owner: RyZan Sun Racing, LLC and Madaket Stables LLC
BC Challenge Race won: Rodeo Drive Stakes
BARNAVARA (IRE)
Jockey: Shane Foley
Trainer: Jessica Harrington
Owner: Alpha Racing
BC Challenge Race won: Prix de l'Opera Longines
Breeders' Cup Sprint Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT (GI) is a six furlong race for 3-year-olds and up. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $1.5 million, including travel awards.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Owner: My Racehorse
BC Challenge Race won: Riyadh Dirt Sprint
DARK SAFFRON
Jockey: Connor Beasley
Trainer: Ahmad bin Harmash
Owner: Sultan Ali
BC Challenge Race won: Dubai Golden Shaheen
LOVESICK BLUES
Jockey: Geovanni Franco
Trainer: Libardo Barocio
Owner: Mia Familia Racing Stable
BC Challenge Race won: Bing Crosby Stakes
SELF IMPROVEMENT (AUS)
Jockey: Chun Lok Chau
Trainer: Ka Man
Owner: Chung Wong
BC Challenge Race won: Korea Sprint
PATRIOT SPIRIT
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Michael B. Campbell
Owner: George A. Mellon
BC Challenge Race won: The Vosburgh
IMAGINATION
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital, Catherine Donovan
BC Challenge Race won: Santa Anita Sprint Championship
NAKATOMI
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Wesley A. Ward
Owner: Qatar Racing & Mrs. Fitriani Hay
BC Challenge Race won: Phoenix Stakes
Breeders' Cup Mile Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP MILE (GI) is a one mile race for 3-year-olds and up, to be run on the turf. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $2 million, including travel awards.
ONE STRIPE (SAF)
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Trainer: Vaughan Marshall
Owner: Mr. R.M. Sewgoolam
BC Challenge Race won: L'Ormarins King's Plate
SOUL RUSH (JPN)
Jockey: Cristian Demuro
Trainer: Yasutoshi Ikee
Owner: Tatsue Ishikawa
BC Challenge Race won: Dubai Turf
GRAN ORIENTE (CHI)
Jockey: Joaquin Herrera
Trainer: Jose Alvarez
Owner: Pablo Onofre Lillo Dussaillant
BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio Hipico Falabella
JANTAR MANTAR (JPN)
Jockey: Yuga Kawada
Trainer: Tomokazu Takano
Owner: Shadai Race Horse
BC Challenge Race won: Yasuda Kinen
DOCKLANDS (GB)
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Trainer: Harry Eustace
Owner: O T I Racing
BC Challenge Race won: The Queen Anne Stakes
Qirat (GB)
Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Trainer: Ralph Beckett
Owner: Juddmonte
BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Sussex Stakes
Deterministic
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
Trainer: Miguel Clement
Owner: St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, Steven C. Duncker & Vicarage Stable
BC Challenge Race won: The Fourstardave
Notable Speech
Jockey: William Buick
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Owner: Godolphin
BC Challenge Race won: Woodbine Mile
JOHANNES
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Owner: Cuyathy LLC
BC Challenge Race won: City of Hope Mile
Rhetorical wins Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Media)
RHETORICAL
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: William Walden
Owner: Gary Barber, Cheyenne Stable LLC, and Wachtel Stable
BC Challenge Race won: Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes
MARANOA CHARLIE (FRA)
Jockey: Aurelien Lemaitre
Trainer: Christopher Head
Owner: Bond Thoroughbred Limited
BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix de la Foret
Breeders' Cup Distaff Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP DISTAFF (GI) is a 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $2 million, including travel awards.
SARAWAK RIM (ARG)
Jockey: William Pereyra
Trainer: Juan Franco Saldivia
Owner: Stud Los Melli
BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio Criadores
DORTH VADER
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: George Weaver
Owner: John Ropes
BC Challenge Race won: Ogden Phipps Stakes
THORPEDO ANNA
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr.
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Owner: Brookdale Racing Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks & Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek)
BC Challenge Race won: Fleur de Lis Stakes
SEISMIC BEAUTY
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: MyRacehorse & Peter Leidel
BC Challenge Race won: Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
Thorpedo Anna
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Owner: Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings, Inc. (J.G. Sikura), Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), Mark Edwards & Judy B. Hicks
BC Challenge Race won: The Personal Ensign
CAVALIERI
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Speedway Stables LLC
BC Challenge Race won: Zenyatta Stakes
GIN GIN
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Owner: Calumet Farm
BC Challenge Race won: Spinster Stakes
Breeders' Cup Turf Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP TURF (GI) is a 1 1/2-mile race for 3-year-olds and up, to be run on the turf. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $4 million, including travel awards.
INTENSE FOR ME (ARG)
Jockey: Martin Valle
Trainer: Nicólas Martin Ferro
Owner: Toroquemero
BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio International Carlos Pellegrini Stakes
DANON DECILE (JPN)
Jockey: Keita Tosaki
Trainer: Shogo Yasuda
Owner: Danox Co. Ltd.
BC Challenge Race won: Dubai Sheema Classic
MEISHO TABARU (JPN)
Jockey: Yutaka Take
Trainer: Mamoru Ishibashi
Owner: Yoshio Matsumoto
BC Challenge Race won: Takarazuka Kinen
Ombudsman (IRE)
Jockey: William Buick
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Owner: Godolphin
BC Challenge Race won: The Prince of Wales's Stakes
Sinsel (BRZ)
Jockey: Leandro Henrique
Trainer: Luiz Esteves
Owner: Stud Red Rafa
BC Challenge Race won: Grande Premio Brasil
CALANDAGAN (IRE)
Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Owner: Aga Khan Studs
BC Challenge Race won: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes & Champion Stakes
EL CORDOBES (IRE)
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Charles Appleby
Owner: Godolphin, LLC
BC Challenge Race won: The Sword Dancer
GOLD PHOENIX (IRE)
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Phillip D'Amato
Owner: Agave Racing Stable, Little Red Feather Racing, Stearling Stables LLC & Marsha Naify
BC Challenge Race won: Del Mar Handicap
OLE CRAZY BONE
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Owner: Flying P Stable
BC Challenge Race won: Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational
Delacroix (IRE)
Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
Trainer: A.P. O'Brien
Owner: Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor
BC Challenge Race won: Irish Champion Stakes
Daryz (FRA)
Jockey: Mickaël Barzalona
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Owner: Aga Khan Studs
BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe
Breeders' Cup Classic Contenders
The BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC (GI) is a 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. The race carries a guaranteed purse of $6 million, including travel awards.
FOREVER YOUNG (JPN)
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Owner: Susumu Fujita
BC Challenge Race won: Saudi Cup
COSTA NOVA (JPN)
Jockey: Rachel King
Trainer: Tetsuya Kimura
Owner: Katsumi Yoshida
BC Challenge Race won: February Stakes
HIT SHOW
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Wathnan Racing
BC Challenge Race won: Dubai World Cup
MINDFRAME
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable & St. Elias Stables
BC Challenge Race won: Stephen Foster Stakes
JOURNALISM
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith
BC Challenge Race won: Haskell Stakes
SIERRA LEONE
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Chad C. Brown
Owner: Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg & Brook T. Smith
BC Challenge Race won: The Whitney
OMBUDSMAN (IRE)
Jockey: William Buick
Trainer: John and Thady Gosden
Owner: Godolphin
BC Challenge Race won: Juddmonte International Stakes
FIERCENESS
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Derrick Smith, Repole Stables, Mrs. John Magnier & Michael Tabor
BC Challenge Race won: Pacific Classic
Antiquarian
Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Centennial Farms
BC Challenge Race won: Jockey Club Gold Cup
NEVADA BEACH
Jockey: Mike E. Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman
BC Challenge Race won: Goodwood Stakes