Tipsheet: 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic

A superb field of eight will travel 1 1/4 miles over the Keeneland dirt in Saturday’s lucrative, $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). 

2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks

• #2 Sovereignty
• #7 Knightsbridge
• #5 Forever Young
• #3 Golden Tempo

2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic Wagers

• $40 win #2 Sovereignty
• $10 exacta key box 2 with 5,7
• 50-cent superfecta 2,7 with 2,3,5,7 with 2,3,5,7 with all 

2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders

#1 T O PASSWORD (30-1): The first of two Japanese-based contenders in the heat gets the rail for his first try in the U. S. since finishing a sneaky-good fifth in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) following a poor break. Trained by Daisuke Takayanagi, the five-year-old son of Copano Rickey has good form coming into the contest and might relish the return to 1 1/4 miles on Saturday. Kazushi Kimura picks up the mount. 

#2 SOVEREIGNTY (5-2): Standout four-year-old was the best version of himself when dusting a fantastic field in the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 8. The first of two formidable foes for trainer Bill Mott, the Godolphin homebred is three-for-three at 1 1/4 miles, and his connections reported that his most recent morning activity might have been his best ever. The top choice will inch clear inside the final furlong with regular pilot Junior Alvarado back in the saddle. 

#3 GOLDEN TEMPO (5-1): Leading sophomore is a superb late runner who comes in fresh, hoping to cap off a stellar season for trainer Cherie DeVaux. The Curlin homebred, who bagged the Kentucky Derby and Belmont (G1) earlier this season, hasn't raced since August but has trained in fine fashion on this oval leading up to his toughest test to date, and he will arrive on the scene late under Jose Ortiz. 

#4 THE PUMA (10-1): The second of three sophomores in the group earned a much-deserved Grade 1 tally when annexing the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) in his first try with blinkers on last time out. Trained by Gustavo Delgado, the chestnut son of Essential Quality has never run a bad race and checked in a solid fourth in his lone prior attempt at 10 furlongs. His preparation for the tilt has been positive, and the Kentucky-bred will do his best work late with Javier Castellano staying in the irons.  

#5 FOREVER YOUNG (2-1): Global superstar is the defending champ in the event and prepped for title defense with a facile victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park on Sept. 18. The Yoshito Yahagi pupil is a $32 million earner who always shows up and has reportedly been working in excellent fashion leading up to his historic try. The versatile son of Real Steel will likely be in the second flight in the early stages of the event, with regular rider Sakai in the silks. 

#6 MAGNITUDE (6-1): Reigning Dubai World Cup (G1) star is fantastic on his best day and can’t be ignored for trainer Steve Asmussen. The four-year-old has defeated both morning-line choices in the field, Forever Young and Sovereignty, in 2026 and is flying under the radar for his local debut. Flavien Prat picks up the mount atop the colt and will have him forcing the action from the opening bell. 

#7 KNIGHTSBRIDGE (9-2): Major win contender has thrived since moving to route racing in his last two tilts and was last seen dominating his foes with a sublime showing in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar most recently. Trained by Bill Mott, the Nyquist homebred has blazing early speed and has trained swiftly leading up to his second run on the surface as well. The five-year-old Godolphin homebred will be difficult to reel in with his best performance under regular jockey Junior Alvarado. 

#8 NAPOLEON SOLO (15-1): Ultra-talented sophomore answered the 10-furlong question last time when running a big second in the Travers (G1) at Saratoga, and he gets the outside slot for his first run with his elders. The Chad Summers pupil has improved his Brisnet Speed rating in a trio of races in succession, and the son of Liam’s Map continues to impress in a big way with his powerful, fleet morning works. John Velazquez will ride and put the sophomore into the race soon after the break.