Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Sierra Leone rebounds in Whitney

The 2025 Breeders’ Cup is less than 13 weeks away. The 42nd running of the championship event will take place on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar.

Slowly but surely, the key contenders for the 14 Breeders’ Cup races are coming into focus. Let’s kick off August by catching up on the latest Breeders’ Cup news and notes:

Sierra Leone punches return ticket to Breeders’ Cup Classic

Last fall, Sierra Leone capitalized on a fast pace to rally and win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), which ultimately earned him champion three-year-old male honors at the Eclipse Awards.

Sierra Leone’s first two starts as a four-year-old were less productive; he finished third in the New Orleans Classic (G2) and second in the Stephen Foster (G1). But with stablemate Contrary Thinking serving as a pacemaker in the $1 million Whitney (G1) at Saratoga last Saturday, Sierra Leone bounced back to his best.

Sierra Leone trailed dueling leaders Mama’s Gold and Contrary Thinking during the early stages of the Whitney, but launched a big rally around the far turn and down the homestretch, outkicking 2024 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) winner Highland Falls to prevail by one length in 1:48.92. The Whitney awarded a “Win and You’re In” berth to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic, so Sierra Leone’s ticket to defend his title is secure.

Longshot Disarm closed for third place, while a couple of short-priced runners performed below expectations. The 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio ran evenly to finish fourth, while 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) conqueror Fierceness tired to finish fifth after tracking the pace in third place and seizing command early in the homestretch.

Deterministic stars again in the Fourstardave

Deterministic was a capable three-year-old last year, winning a couple of Grade 3 stakes. But he’s elevated his game to a new level this year.

During the spring, Deterministic posted back-to-back wins in the Fort Marcy (G2) and Manhattan (G1). He added a third straight triumph to his tally in Saturday’s Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga.

After tracking the pace in second place, Deterministic took over in the homestretch to score by 1 1/4 lengths, completing one mile on turf in 1:33.87. By outkicking the stretch-running Intellect to the finish line, Deterministic secured a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

Seismic Beauty delivers on expectations in Clement L. Hirsch

Seismic Beauty is riding a hot streak. The Bob Baffert-trained filly dominated an allowance optional claimer and the Santa Margarita (G2) during the spring, then picked up a top-level win in Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile Clement L. Hirsch (G1) over the Del Mar dirt.

Seismic Beauty raced to the front through fractions of :22.85, :46.63, and 1:10.32, then had plenty left to hold off Derby City Distaff (G1) winner Kopion by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:42.33. In the process, she earned a ticket to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

Far Bridge leads nine-horse Sword Dancer field

A Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) berth is up for grabs this coming Saturday in the 1 1/2-mile Sword Dancer (G1) at Saratoga.

The strong nine-horse field is led by reigning Sword Dancer winner Far Bridge. The three-time Grade 1 victor is 3-for-4 this year and exits a decisive score in the Bowling Green (G2) at Saratoga.

Far Bridge will face a couple of formidable rivals who have been competing overseas. Nations Pride has scored multiple top-level wins in North America and warrants respect in his first start since finishing 10th in the Dubai Turf (G1). Meanwhile, El Cordobes enters fresh off a two-length score in the Princess of Wales’s (G2) in England.

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan tries turf in Arlington Million

Mystik Dan, winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), is known for his prowess as a dirt racer. But this Saturday, he’ll give turf a try in the 1 1/4-mile Arlington Million (G1) at Colonial Downs, potentially setting up a tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Turf or Breeders’ Cup Mile.

As a son of Goldencents out of a mare by Colonel John, Mystik Dan’s pedigree offers potential for success on grass. But to win the Arlington Million, he’ll have to topple seven proven turf horses, including Integration (who has placed second in three Grade 1 stakes this year, including the Manhattan to Deterministic) and European raider Cairo.

Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Qualifiers

The following horses have secured Win and You’re In berths to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series:

Breeders’ Cup Classic

Costa Nova
Forever Young
Journalism
Hit Show
Mindframe
Sierra Leone

Breeders’ Cup Turf

Calandagan
Danon Decile
Intense for Me
Meisho Tabaru
Ombudsman
Sinsel

Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Dorth Vader
Sarawak Rim
Seismic Beauty
Thorpedo Anna

Breeders’ Cup Mile

Deterministic
Docklands
Gran Oriente
Jantar Mantar
One Stripe
Qirat
Soul Rush

Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Dark Saffron
Lovesick Blues
Straight No Chaser

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Raging Torrent 
Touch of Destiny

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Ascoli Piceno
Double Grand Slam
La Kika
Whirl

Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint

Ag Bullet
American Affair

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint

Charles Darwin
Lady Iman