2023 Breeders' Cup Contenders, Entries, and Top Horses

Race Events > Breeders' Cup > Contenders

Last updated: November 4, 2023 at 4:35 p.m. EDT

Who's Contending for the 2023 Breeders' Cup?

Breeders' Cup Contenders & Entries

The latest contenders for the 2023 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.

2023 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.

Valiant Force

Jockey: Rossa Ryan

Trainer: Adrian Murray

Owner: Amo Racing/Mrs. R. O'Callaghan/G. De Aguiar

BC Challenge Race won: Norfolk Stakes

Vandeek

Jockey: Andrea Atzeni

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford

Owner: KHK Racing Ltd.

BC Challenge Race won: Prix Morny

Book'em Danno

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz

Trainer: Derek S. Ryan

Owner: Atlantic Six Racing, LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Futurity Stakes

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.

Diego Velazquez

Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: A. P. O'Brien

Owner: Tabor, Smith, Magnier, Westerberg, Brant

BC Challenge Race won: Champions Juvenile Stakes

Carson's Run (Photo by Horsephotos.com / Courtesy of Michael Burns)

Carson's Run

Jockey: Dylan Davis

Trainer: Christophe Clement

Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds & Steven Bouchey

BC Challenge Race won: Summer Stakes

Ghostwriter

Jockey: Richard Kingscote

Trainer: Clive Cox

Owner: Jeffrey Colin Smith

BC Challenge Race won: Royal Lodge Stakes

Rosallion

Jockey: Sean Levey

Trainer: Richard Hannon Jr.

Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere

Agate Road

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.

Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Owner: Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable

BC Challenge Race won: The Pilgrim Stakes

Can Group

Jockey: Francisco Arrieta

Trainer: Mark E. Casse

Owner: D. J. Stable LLC and Cash is King LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Bourbon Stakes

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.

Candied

Jockey: Luis Saez

Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners

BC Challenge Race won: Darley Alcibiades Stakes

Just F Y I

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Trainer: William I. Mott

Owner: George Krikorian

BC Challenge Race won: Frizette Stakes

Chatalas

Jockey: Antonio Freu

Trainer: Mark Glatt

Owner: Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners and Agnew, Dan J.

BC Challenge Race won: Chandelier 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.

Fallen Angel

Jockey: Daniel Tudhope

Trainer: K.R. Burke

Owner: Clipper Logistics

BC Challenge Race won: Moyglare Stud Stakes

She Feels Pretty

Jockey: John R. Velazquez

Trainer: Cherie DeVaux

Owner: Lael Stables

BC Challenge Race won: Natalma Stakes

Carla's Way

Jockey: James Doyle

Trainer: Simon & Ed Crisford

Owner: Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa

BC Challenge Race won: Rockfel Stakes

Opera Singer

Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

Owner: Magnier / Tabor / Smith / Westerberg

BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac

Hard To Justify

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Trainer: Chad C. Brown

Owner: Wise Racing

BC Challenge Race won: Miss Grillo Stakes

Buchu

Jockey: Martin Garcia

Trainer: Phillip A. Bauer

Owner: Rigney Racing, LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Jessamine Stakes

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.

Timberlake

Jockey: Florent Geroux

Trainer: Brad H. Cox

Owner: WinStar Farm & Siena Farm

BC Challenge Race won: The Champagne

Locked

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz

Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm

BC Challenge Race won: Breeders' Futurity

Muth

Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Owner: Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.

BC Challenge Race won: American Pharoah Stakes

2023 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.

Echo Zulu

Jockey: Florent Geroux

Trainer: Steven Asmussen

Owner: L and N Racing LLC & Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC

BC Challenge Race won: The Ballerina

Three Witches

Jockey: Leonel Reyes

Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.

Owner: e Five Racing Thoroughbreds

BC Challenge Race won: Princess Rooney Invitational Stakes

Yuugiri

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset

Owner: Yoshihara, Tsunebumi and Sekie

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.

Caravel

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

Trainer: Brad H. Cox

Owner: Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Jaipur Stakes

Bradsell

Jockey: Holly Doyle

Trainer: Archie Watson

Owner: Victorious Racing

BC Challenge Race won: King's Stand Stakes

Live In The Dream

Jockey: Sean Kirrane

Trainer: Jason Hart

Owner: Steve & Jolene De'Lemos

BC Challenge Race won: Nunthorpe Stakes

Motorious (GB)

Jockey: Geovanni Franco

Trainer: Phillip D'Amato

Owner: Anthony Fanticola

BC Challenge Race won: Green Flash Handicap

Gear Jockey

Jockey: Jose Lezcano

Trainer: George R. Arnold, II

Owner: Calumet Farm

BC Challenge Race won: Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint Stakes

Moss Tucker

Jockey: W.J. Lee

Trainer: K.J. Condon

Owner: Charlie Bit Me Syndicate

BC Challenge Race won: Flying Five Stakes

Highfield Princess

Jockey: Jason Hart

Trainer: John Quinn

Owner: Trainers House Enterprises

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.

Cody's Wish

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Trainer: William I. Mott

Owner: Godolphin

BC Challenge Race won: Metropolitan Handicap

Anarchist

Jockey: Ramon Vazquez

Trainer: Doug F. Oneill

Owner: Illium Stables

BC Challenge Race won: Pat O'Brien Stakes

Zozos

Jockey: Florent Geroux

Trainer: Brad H. Cox

Owner: Butzow, Barry and Joni

BC Challenge Race won: Ack Ack Stakes

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.

Make it Snappy (SAF)

Jockey: Luyolo Mxothwa

Trainer: Brett Crawford

Owner: Hollywood Syndicate

BC Challenge Race won: Cartier Paddock Stakes

Songline (JPN)

Jockey: Keita Tosaki

Trainer: Toru Hayashi

Owner: Sunday Racing

BC Challenge Race won: Victoria Mile

Samay

Jockey: C.J. Herrera

Trainer: J. Suarez Villaroel

Owner: Stud Wall Street

BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio Pamplona

Fev Rover (IRE)

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Trainer: Mark E. Casse

Owner: Tracy Farmer

BC Challenge Race won: Beverly D. Stakes

Warm Heart

Jockey: James Doyle

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

Owner: Magnier / Tabor / Smith / Westerberg

BC Challenge Race won: Yorkshire Oaks

Pamac (FR)

Jockey: Dylan Davis

Trainer: Christophe Clement

Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds & Dream With Me Stable

BC Challenge Race won: Flower Bowl Stakes

Tahiyra

Jockey: Chris Hayes

Trainer: D. K. Weld

Owner: H H Aga Khan

BC Challenge Race won: Matron Stakes

Blue Rose Cen

Jockey: Aurelien Lemaitre

Trainer: Christopher Head

Owner: Yeguada Centurion SL

BC Challenge Race won: Prix de L'Opera Longines

Didia (ARG)

Jockey: Vincent Cheminaud

Trainer: Ignacio Correas, IV

Owner: Merriebelle Stable LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Rodeo Drive Stakes

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.

The Chosen Vron

Jockey: Hector Berrios

Trainer: J. Kruijac

Owner: Sondereker Racing LLC, J. Eric Kruljac, Robert S. Fetkin, Richard Thornburgh

BC Challenge Race won: Bing Crosby Stakes

Cody's Wish

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Trainer: William I. Mott

Owner: Godolphin, LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Vosburgh Stakes

Hoist the Gold

Jockey: John R. Velazquez

Trainer: Dallas Stewart

Owner: Dream Team One Racing Stable

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.

Al Muthana (AUS)

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen

Owner: D.K. Bundhoo, P.G. Joubert Et Al

BC Challenge Race won: L'Ormarins Queens Plate

Lukka (CHI)

Jockey: Jorge A. Gonzalez

Trainer: Patricio Baeza

Owner: Haras Jockey

BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio Club Hipico Falabella

Exaulted

Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez

Trainer: Peter Eurton

Owner: C R K Stable LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Shoemaker Mile Stakes

SONGLINE (JPN)

Jockey: Keita Tosaki

Trainer: Toru Hayashi

Owner: Sunday Racing

BC Challenge Race won: Yasuda Kinen

Triple Time

Jockey: Neil Callan

Trainer: Kevin Ryan

Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum

BC Challenge Race won: Queen Anne Stakes

Paddington (GB)

Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

Owner: Tabor/Smith/Magnier/Westerberg/Brant

BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Sussex Stakes

Casa Creed

Jockey: Luis Saez

Trainer: William I. Mott

Owner: LRE Racing LLC and JEH Racing LLC

BC Challenge Race won: The Fourstardave

Inspiral

Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden

Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

BC Challenge Race won: Prix Jacques Le Marois

Master of The Seas

Jockey: William T. Buick

Trainer: Charles Appleby

Owner: Godolphin, LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Woodbine Mile

Up to the Mark

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz

Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Owner: Repole Stable & St. Elias Stable

BC Challenge Race won: Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes

Big Rock

Jockey: Aurelien Lemaitre

Trainer: Christopher Head

Owner: Yeguada Centurion SL

BC Challenge Race won: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

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.

Belleza de Arteaga (ARG)

Jockey: William Pereyra

Trainer: Roberto Pellegatta

Owner: Chos Malal

BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio Criadores

Clairiere

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen

Owner: Stonestreet Stables LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Ogden Phipps Stakes

Adare Manor

Jockey: Juan Hernandez

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Owner: Michael Petersen

BC Challenge Race won: Clement L. Hirsch Stakes

Idiomatic

Jockey: Florent Geroux

Trainer: Brad H. Cox

Owner: Juddmonte

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.

The Punisher (ARG)

Jockey: Martin J. Valle

Trainer: Carlos D. Etchechoury

Owner: Haras El Angel De Venecia

BC Challenge Race won: Gran Premio International Carlos Pellegrini

Raptor's (BRZ)

Jockey: Joao Moreira

Trainer: Luiz Esteves

Owner: Haras Do Morro

BC Challenge Race won: Grande Premio Brasil

Mostahdaf

Jockey: Jim Crowley

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden

Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd

BC Challenge Race won: Prince of Wales's Stakes

Equinox

Jockey: Christophe-Patrice Lemaire

Trainer: Tetsuya Kimura

Owner: Silk Racing

BC Challenge Race won: Takarazuka Kinen

Hukum (IRE)

Jockey: Jim Crowley

Trainer: O.J. Burrows

Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd

BC Challenge Race won: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Bolshoi Ballet (IRE)

Jockey: John R. Velazquez

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

Owner: Magnier / Tabor / Smith / Westerberg

BC Challenge Race won: The Sword Dancer

Gold Phoenix (IRE)

Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez

Trainer: Phillip D'Amato

Owner: Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables, LLC and Marsha Naify

BC Challenge Race won: Del Mar Handicap

Get Smokin at the Kentucky Turf Cup (Photo by Coady Photography)

Get Smokin

Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz

Trainer: Mark E. Casse

Owner: Ironhorse Racing Stable LLC, BlackRidge Stables LLC, T-N-T Equine Holdings, LLC and Saratoga Seven Racing Partners, LLC

BC Challenge Race won: Kentucky Turf Cup

Auguste Rodin

Jockey: Ryan Moore

Trainer: A.P. O'Brien

Owner: Tabor,Smith,Magnier,Westerberg

BC Challenge Race won: Irish Champion Stakes

Ace Impact

Jockey: Christian Demuro

Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget

Owner: EC. Serge Stempniak/Gousserie Racing

BC Challenge Race won: Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe

King of Steel

Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Trainer: Roger Varian

Owner: Amo Racing Limited

BC Challenge Race won: Champion Stakes

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.