Tipsheet: 2025 Breeders’ Cup Mile

The grassy, $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar is truly an international event this year, as domestic runners will be joined by contenders with roots in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Three-year-olds have had success numerous times in the past, and I look for the sophomores to have a major say in the outcome of the tilt once again. 

Breeders’ Cup Mile Picks

• #3 Sahlan
• #11 Rhetorical
• #4 The Lion In Winter
• #2 Notable Speech
• #10 Jonquil

Breeders’ Cup Mile Wagers

• $20 to win and place on #3 Sahlan
• $1 Trifecta: 3,11 with 2,3,4,10,11 with 2,3,4,10,11

Breeders’ Cup Mile Contenders

#1 ONE STRIPE (30-1): Multiple Group 1 star will make his second run in North America following an unplaced go in the Woodbine Mile (G1). The bay son of One World was surely prepping for this race at Woodbine most recently and will improve on Saturday as one to consider for the exotics. Juan Hernandez will be up. 

#2 NOTABLE SPEECH (5-2): Godolphin homebred is a Group 1 winner full of ability and made short work of the Woodbine Mile (G1) in preparation for Saturday. Charlie Appleby pupil was a close third as the favorite in the contest last season and could surely take this field down with a clear voyage in the stretch. Regular pilot William Buick has the assignment. 

#3 SAHLAN (6-1): Graffard trainee comes off an excellent score in the Prix du Moulin (G1) over a fine field last out and gets top billing in the especially deep contest. The three-year-old son of Wootton Bassett has room to improve with just six starts to his credit, and he is one of my favorite picks of the weekend with Mickael Barzalona riding, who is 3-for-3 atop the sophomore in his career.

#4 THE LION IN WINTER (6-1): Sophomore son of Sea the Stars has come close with three Group 1 placings this year, two of those coming while facing his elders. The Irish-bred bay possesses the tactical speed to be in range as the cast turns for home, with Christophe Soumillon taking the reins. 

#5 PROGRAM TRADING (10-1): Grade 1 star from the Chad Brown shedrow was a smart runner-up in the Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland in his second start of 2025 and rates a chance in his third run of the season. The Lope de Vega five-year-old might be best at one mile, and his turn of foot makes him a viable win option with Flavien Prat aboard. 

#6 GRAN ORIENTE (30-1): Chilean Group 1 victor is three-for-four on the green in his career for trainer Jose Alvarez. The four-year-old son of Classic Empire cuts back from 1 1/4 miles, and he could make some noise late with a big step forward beneath fine turf pilot Hector Berrios. 

#7 JOHANNES (8-1): Multiple graded stakes victor was a fine second in the race last season and could peak while making his third run of 2025. The Tim Yakteen trainee likes the surface and will be a major threat with a performance close to his 2024 run. Umberto Rispoli stays in the silks. 

#8 FORMIDABLE MAN (10-1): Mike McCarthy trainee is a sterling six-for-six on the local lawn and has also compiled four wins from seven career runs at the distance. Four-year-old son of City of Light comes off victories in the Del Mar Mile (G2) and Eddie Read S. (G2) as of late, and the bay wouldn’t be a significant surprise on his favorite surface under John Velazquez. 

#9 ARGINE (20-1): Japan invader has been in good form in 2025 and is dangerous as a wildcard in the group. The Lord Kanaloa mare has been very consistent and could be almost any kind in her U. S. debut with Frankie Dettori accepting the mount. 

#10 JONQUIL (10-1): Juddmonte homebred rallied late to grab fourth in the deep Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland last time out and has appeal for the exotics in his second try in the states. The Ralph Beckett trainee owns a Group 2 win and a Group 1 second this season, and the sophomore will likely offer excellent value in the tilt, as well. He will have Colin Keane in the stirrups. 

#11 RHETORICAL (5-1): Live win threat won the Turf Mile (G1) more easily than it appears on paper, and I expect the William Walden pupil to be a major presence on this occasion. The Not This Time gelding has gone four-for-four this year with each win coming convincingly, and he will have top pilot Irad in the irons, as well. 

#12 GAS ME UP (30-1): King Edward S. (G2) winner was third in the Woodbine Mile (G1) in his latest venture and is on the rise in advance of his return to Del Mar. The dark bay son of Hard Spun comes in fresh with some good morning drills and could earn a minor share with a career-best effort. Jose Ortiz will be in the saddle.

#13 QIRAT (20-1): Sussex S. (G1) upsetter has been unplaced in his last two outings following his huge win at Goodwood for Ralph Beckett. The Showcasing gelding is obviously talented, but the Juddmonte homebred needs to prove to me that his score at 150-1 three back was not an outlier before I can back him with confidence against this cast. Rossa Ryan will ride.