2025 Breeders’ Cup: Handicapping Saturday’s Late Pick 5

Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Late Pick 5 at Del Mar is highlighted by the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the second leg in the sequence, and it includes the three major turf races on the program in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), and $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

The Late Pick 5 proved challenging at Del Mar last year, returning $43,251 for a 50-cent denomination. Three of the races feature overflow fields this year, with the other two drawing 10 runners, and I will take a shot at the Late Pick 5 on a $60 budget.

Breeders’ Cup Saturday Late Pick 5 Wager (Races 8-12)

• 50-cent ticket: 3,8 with 1,5,10 with 11 with 4,5,6,7 with 2,5,8,9,14 ($60)

Race 8: Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), 5:41 p.m. ET

A smashing winner of the Irish Oaks (G1) and Yorkshire Oaks (G1), #8 Minnie Hauk (8-5) is the one to beat in my estimation. Especially if she runs back to her head second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) over soft ground. She prefers it firmer, but there is some concern whether the massive effort will take something away 27 days later in America. #3 Amiloc (10-1), a progressive three-year-old who exits a pair of strong showings in England and Ireland, will also be included.

Race 9: Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), 6:25 p.m. ET

Pacific Classic (G1) romper #1 Fierceness (4-1), runner-up in last year’s Classic, rates as a serious frontend contender, and Saudi Cup (G1) hero #5 Forever Young (6-1) appears poised for a top showing in the second start back from a layoff. Both are on the ticket along with top choice #10 Antiquarian (15-1), who has thrived since stretching to 1 1/4 miles two starts back and looks set for his best following a 1 1/2-length win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).

Race 10: Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), 7:05 p.m. ET

#11 Rhetorical (5-1) is my single. His tactical ability is an asset, and given the lack of speed in the Mile field, the four-year-old gelding projects to receive a favorable up-close trip. A New York-bred by Not This Time, Rhetorical rose through the allowance and restricted stakes ranks before recording a fine win in the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1), scoring comfortably by about a length with more seemingly in reserve, and he’s never been exposed. I think Rhetorical will have more to offer on Saturday.

Race 11: Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), 7:45 p.m. ET

A gate-to-wire winner of last year’s Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), #7 Citizen Bull (10-1) returned from a freshening with a sharp runaway win in the Shared Belief in late August, improving to 3-for-4 at Del Mar, and he catches a Dirt Mile (G1) field lacking serious speed. He’s my top choice. Juan Hernandez, who had been riding defending champion #6 Full Serrano (7-2), takes the call on Citizen Bull.

Full Serrano can’t be dismissed after a pair of fine prep races. #4 Mystik Dan (6-1) appears back in top form, winning the Lukas Classic (G2) last out, and the early/presser should relish the distance. #5 Tumbarumba (20-1), a respectable fourth last year, is a more serious threat this time around in strong present form. I will try to beat 8-5 morning line favorite Nysos, who hasn’t started since late July and missed training time until returning to the worktab in late September.

Race 12: Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), 8:25 p.m. ET

#14 See the Fire (5-1), a neck second in the Prix de l’Opera (G1) in early October, leads a deep international contingent. #9 Cinderella’s Dream (9-2), who ran out of room posting a rallying second in 2025 Filly & Mare Turf, is back for Charlie Appleby, French Oaks (G1) winner #5 Gezora (7-2) looks extremely live on firm ground, and progressive three-year-old filly #8 Cathedral (30-1) also will be used from overseas. And I’ll add #2 Stellify (30-1), who has never been exposed, reeling off four consecutive wins on turf and exiting a convincing Grade 3 triumph. The improving speedball will try to steal it.