Under-the-radar internationals for 2025 Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup showcases such a star-studded array of equine talent, from all around the world, that it’s easy for some interesting contenders to get overlooked.

Here are international runners who are flying under the radar at Del Mar, all at double-digit morning line odds.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) – #2 Military Code (12-1)

While #1 Brussels (8-1) and #8 Havana Anna (6-1) rank as logical value plays, Military Code has potential at a much higher price. From the high-percentage yard of Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, who won this race in 2022 with Mischief Magic, Military Code just missed in a pair of five-furlong stakes in Great Britain. He might find it easier to sustain his move around a turning track. 

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) – #10 Balantina (30-1)

If you forgive Balantina’s subpar effort in mitigating circumstances last out, the Donnacha O’Brien filly fits very well in this spot. Her third in Royal Ascot’s Albany (G3) and near-miss in the Prix Six Perfections (G3) give her top-notch collateral form, and she relishes a quick surface. She reunites with Oisin Murphy, who was recently crowned as the champion jockey in Great Britain for the fifth time. 

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) – #6 North Coast (30-1) 

The Joseph O’Brien-trained North Coast has the tactical speed and handiness to outperform his odds. By leading European freshman sire Starman, he wired the Tyros (G3) going left-handed at Leopardstown two back. His regular rider, Dylan Browne McMonagle, just clinched his first title as Ireland’s champion jockey. 

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) – #12 Invincible Papa (20-1)

Bred in Australia but based in Japan throughout his career, Invincible Papa only recently switched from dirt to turf. He’s shown high speed, most recently holding on in the six-furlong CBC Sho (G3) at Chukyo, and the cutback to five furlongs should suit. Although Invincible Papa steps up into Grade 1 company here, his form intersects with the highest level of global turf form.

Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) – #9 American Stage (30-1)

Before trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai go for glory with Forever Young in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), they’ll team up with the promising sophomore American Stage. The Kentucky-bred, who sold for $500,000 as a yearling, held his own against tough sprinters in Dubai earlier in the year. The son of perennial leading sire Into Mischief is eligible to be stronger at this stage of the season, and just a modicum of improvement would make him competitive. 

Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) – #3 Amiloc (10-1)

Lightly-raced three-year-old Amiloc brings a 5-for-6 record into his first foray onto the world stage. The Ralph Beckett trainee just suffered his first loss in the 1 3/4-mile Irish St Leger (G1), but he was runner-up to Al Riffa, who is one of the favorites for next week’s Melbourne Cup (G1). Amiloc now reverts to 1 1/2 miles, the distance of his marquee win in the King Edward VII (G2) at Royal Ascot in a time faster than #14 Ethical Diamond (30-1) posted on the undercard.

Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) – #1 One Stripe (30-1)

South African champion One Stripe figures to move forward off his North American debut for Graham Motion, a creditable fifth in the Woodbine Mile (G1). In his homeland, he was the first horse in half a century to turn the big mile double at Kenilworth, the Cape Guineas (G1) and the King’s Plate (G1). One Stripe has loads of upside, having just celebrated his actual fourth birthday, and he picks up local expertise in jockey Juan Hernandez. 

Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) – #8 Cathedral (30-1)

Cathedral has more to prove than most of the other international contenders, but the AMO Racing runner has a stealthy look in her first try at 1 3/8 miles. Fourth in the Coronation (G1) at Royal Ascot and the Matron (G1) at Leopardstown, she comes off a better-than-appears fifth in the Sun Chariot (G1). The added distance could be the key. 

More detailed analysis and insight can be found in the International Scouting Report, available as a standalone product or rolled into the complete Breeders’ Cup Handicapping Package at Brisnet.com.