Meet the Contenders: 2026 Breeders' Cup Juvenile

#1 Damavand                                            *

Pro: Pricey yearling buy proved better over this track and distance; second out.

Con: Class hike from maiden company seems rather imposing.

#2 Gaudreau                                              ***

Pro: Traded decisions with U. S. S. Valor, a good measuring stick.
Con: Will speedy colt fare better stretching out?

#3 Salahudin                                              ****

Pro: The other undefeated Baffert looks built to thrive going a distance.

Con: Off slow in Iroquois (G3) and had to work a bit to beat a modest field.

#4 Earth Song                                            *

Pro: Won debut sprinting, but best likely to come going long.

Con: Couldn’t keep up in Champagne (G1); looks a cut or two below.

#5 Hughes                                                    *****

Pro: Sparkling all summer and fall in California; one to beat off latest.

Con: Barn lost 2022 Juvenile here with a colt sharing a similar profile.

#6 American History                            ****

Pro: Got an ideal setup in Breeders’ Futurity (G1); local experience helps.

Con: Slow start last time nearly backfired; must break alertly.

#7 Coach Pope                                         ***

Pro: Battle-tested and held well last time after pressing the pace.

Con: Declining figure pattern and possibly overbet on the name alone.

#8 He Is No Lie                                          *

Pro: Aside from the Best Pal (G3) flop, enters with consistent form.

Con: Has work to do to make amends against Baffert trainees.