2025 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) Spot Plays

The highly anticipated and lucrative Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) will take place this Friday and Saturday. The tournament involves the 14 Breeders' Cup races at Del Mar.

Below are a handful of value contenders that are worth considering for players in the exciting handicapping contest. 

Friday

Race 8 – Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1)

If you can beat #13 Precise (6-5), who is drawn widest of all for her U. S. debut, then you will be rewarded with a potentially fruitful return. Yahagi’s #6 Switch in Love (20-1) is far from dead on the board in some European markets and is the ultimate wildcard in her stateside bow. The $1.2 million weanling purchase owns a win and a second from two career outings, and it’s foolish to dismiss any runner from this crafty barn, in general. 

Race 10 – Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1)

I’m a big fan of #12 Bottas (6-1) and expect him to be running down horses in the stretch for Miguel Clement. The Vekoma colt has push-button acceleration, and drawing near the outside of the field should allow Manny Franco to avoid major traffic turning for home, too. It helps that, while I respect the favored #14 Gstaad (9-5), I also feel he is vulnerable. 

Saturday

Race 6 – Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1)

The 12-horse group lacks an abundance of pure gas from the gate, and defending champ #12 Straight No Chaser (8-1) figures to receive a fine trip if he breaks cleanly, which he usually does. Blacker trainee will improve in his second run off the long absence, and I expect him to be the one to run down late at a nice price. 

Race 9 – Breeders' Cup Classic (G1)

#2 Baeza (15-1) had shown a level of greenness in most of his races prior to the Pennsylvania Derby (G1), but the dual classic placed colt was much more professional at Parx last time out. The sophomore faces a big class hike, obviously, but he is versatile and also has room for further improvement on Saturday. I like him at an expected hefty number. 

Race 12 – Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1)

If you’re swinging for a big longshot to close out the day, one could do worse than Moyglare Stud homebred #12 Bellezza (20-1). The Clement trainee has captured both of her races over firm going on U. S. turf, and while she has not been facing the toughest foes in training, she has displayed a substantial turn of foot on both of those occasions. She gets a rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione and could receive a strong pace to rally into late.