7 million {dollars} Longines Breeders’ Cup Basic is the championship occasion for thoroughbred horse racing in North America. The outcomes of the Longines Basic are sometimes the figuring out think about a racehorse being acknowledged as Horse of the Yr on the Eclipse Awards. Over the previous 41 years of the Breeders’ Cup, 16 Basic winners have been named Horse of the Yr a number of months later, together with three prior to now 5 years.
Most years, the 1 1/4-mile Longines Basic attracts among the sport’s greatest stars, usually that includes the main 3-year-olds of a given yr competing in opposition to older horses for the primary time. Finally yr’s Longines Basic in Del Mar, 3-year-old horses dominated the highest three spots: Sierra Leone, Fierceness and Without end Younger. All three of those contenders had sturdy information as 4-year-olds and can return to Del Mar for a recent begin at this yr’s Basic on November 1st.
If the presence of this trio wasn’t sufficient to excite followers and horse racing fans, the three most important three-year-olds within the 2025 Triple Crown sequence (Soverinty, Journalism and Baeza) are additionally aiming for the Basic. Mindframe, Antiquarian, Highland Falls, Locked and Nevada Seaside add 5 extra Grade 1 winners to the sphere for a complete of 42.n.d. The Longines Basic is shaping as much as be probably the most aggressive editions of the World Championship in historical past.
(For a whole historic file of the Longines Basic, go to the Breeders’ Cup statistics web site right here. The winningest coach with horses operating on this yr’s Basic is Bob Baffert, with 4 horses. The winningest jockey with horses operating in 2025 is Mike Smith, additionally with 4 horses.)
The Basic can be held because the sixth of 9 Breeders’ Cup races on the championship on Saturday, Nov. 1, and can be broadcast nationally on NBC with stay streaming on Peacock. It can additionally air on the FanDuel TV community, with posting instances set for six:25pm ET/3:25pm PT.
Whether or not you are keen on making a couple of bucks racing or simply need to know just a little about this yr’s runners, our 2025 Breeders’ Cup Basic Fast Reference Information has you lined. Verify again on Monday, October twenty seventh for the most recent cheat sheet with publish positions and morning line odds added.
vintage collector
Jockey: to be determined
coach: tod plecher
Proprietor: Centennial Farms
Work historical past: 9 Begins – 4 Wins – 3 Seconds – 3 0
Profession revenue: $944,100
High numbers for equal base pace: 113
Pedigree: Preservationist – Lifetime Reminiscence, by Istan
yr: 4
coloration: chestnut
Working fashion: press tempo/stalker
evaluation: Antiquarian enters the Longines Basic in the perfect type of his profession, posting three of his greatest Equibase pace figures in his final three begins. In his ultimate run-up, he gained the 1.4-mile Jockey Membership Gold Cup Stakes at Saratoga on August 31, however sadly it was marred by a near-disastrous spill when a sequence response of adjustments in course and collision unseated Thoughts Body from jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. shortly after the beginning. Antiquarian virtually escaped hassle by slipping exterior of the horse in query, Phileas Fogg. He adopted Phileas Fogg’s tempo and took over within the straight line, holding off the resurgent Sierra Leone to win by a size and a half. Sierra Leone, Highland Falls and, after all, Thoughts Body had been affected by incidents earlier within the race however have returned to run within the Basic, and their presence, together with the presence of Sovereignty, Journalism and Baeza, ought to push Antiquarian’s post-hoc odds into the 15-1 vary, making him a gorgeous horse to make use of in unique bets reminiscent of Ekuta and Trifecta. This stylish, stamina-filled and constant racehorse has reached a brand new stage in 2025 and might want to go one step additional to drag off an upset. Common rider John Velasquez will experience Fierceness within the Basic.
baeza
Jockey: Hector Berrios
coach: John Shirreffs
Proprietor: CRK Stables and Grand View Horses
Work historical past: 8 begins – 2 wins – 3 seconds – 2/3
Profession revenue: $1,503,500
High numbers for equal base pace: 116
Pedigree: McKinzie – Puca, by Huge Brown
yr: 3
coloration: bay
Working fashion: stalker
evaluation: After competing with Sovereignty, Journalism, or each in 4 consecutive races and arising quick, Baeza took benefit of his absence at Parks Racing on September 20 to ship the perfect efficiency of his profession within the Pennsylvania Derby and take his first stakes win. Though undefeated, he answered the decision in opposition to two 3-year-old division leaders, ending second within the Santa Anita Derby (Journalism) and Jim Dandy Stakes introduced by Mohegan Solar (introduced by Sovereignty) and third behind Sovereignty & Journalism within the Kentucky Derby introduced by Woodford Reserve and the Belmont Stakes introduced by NYRA Bets. Within the 1 1/8-mile Pennsylvania Derby, he adopted the early tempo, patiently ridden by Hector Berrios, and got here out sturdy on the entrance of the straight to win by two and 1 / 4 lengths. Baeza earned a career-best 116 equal pace determine in that race, and if he repeats or improves on this on the Longines Basic, he could have an opportunity to win in opposition to a really powerful area. The horse has a superb pedigree that may run miles and quarters as a half-brother (similar dam, completely different sire) to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch. This horse could lastly be placing all of it collectively underneath the affected person care of John Shirreffs on a delayed schedule in comparison with Sovereignty and Journalism. In that case, please watch out.
the alternative mind-set
Jockey: to be determined
coach: chad brown
Proprietor: peter brandt
Work historical past: 7 begins – 2 wins – 0 seconds – 0 instances 3 instances
Profession revenue: $140,140
High numbers for equal base pace: 96
Pedigree: Into Mischief – by Valadorna, Carlin
yr: 5
coloration: bay
Working fashion: pacesetter
evaluation: Contrarian Considering competes within the Breeders’ Cup Basic with one straightforward problem. set a quick tempo. The gelding, who has two profession wins (six furlongs and one mile), is owned by Peter Brandt, co-owner of earlier Basic winner Sierra Leone. This stallion is a deep nearer, so his early instances within the race will rely upon whether or not he’s quick sufficient to reverse and overtake his tiring opponent. That is the situation that performed out ultimately yr’s Del Mar Basic, the place Opposite Considering didn’t run. Final summer season, Opposite Considering ran in two races in Sierra Leone, which did not appeal to many pace horses, to make sure a quick, or no less than sincere, tempo. Within the 1 1/8-mile Whitney Stakes, the gelding was bumped at first and was unable to safe the lead and run quick, however Sierra Leone nonetheless gained. Within the Jockey Membership Gold Cup Stakes, which was run over the identical one-mile and one-quarter distance because the Breeders’ Cup Basic, Opposite Sinking jumped out to an early seven-length lead earlier than tiring. Nonetheless, Sierra Leone suffered from an accident early within the race (Thoughts Body misplaced his jockey) and will solely get well to second place. Will Sierra Leone profit from Opposite Considering’s third look as a “Rabbit” (to make use of horse racing terminology)? He can be anticipated to be squarely in entrance, with the objective of setting a tempo so quick that Fierce, his most important opponent in a quick, high-quality basic, can be pressured to expire of vitality to remain inside attain. If all goes to plan, Opposite Sinking ought to pull out of the race close to the far flip, if not earlier than. After which the actual run would start for Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and all the opposite legit contenders for the Basic.
depth
Jockey: John Velazquez
coach: tod plecher
Proprietor: Lepore Secure, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith
Work historical past: 13 begins – 7 wins – 2 seconds – 1 third
Profession revenue: $5,155,320
High numbers for equal base pace: 117
Pedigree: Metropolis of Mild – by Nonna Vera and Keep Thirsty
yr: 4
coloration: bay
Working fashion: please choose up the tempo
evaluation: Within the 2025 Longines Basic prize-winning area, there’s arguably no candidate who shines extra on the racetrack than Fierceness. When this stallion is sweet, he’s actually nice. Actually good. The horse has delivered a number of performances throughout his profession which have earned horse racing officers the very best scores, together with a commanding three-and-a-quarter size victory in his most up-to-date begin within the Pacific Basic Stakes, a one-mile and four-minute race held on August thirtieth and November 1st, on the similar observe he ran on. After leaning over at first, common jockey John Velasquez took command with confidence within the Pacific Basic. It is a far flip and leaves the highest third yr journalism far behind. Fiers additionally ran very effectively ultimately yr’s Longines Basic in Del Mar, setting a scorching early tempo and sustaining a transparent second place behind Sierra Leone, who loved an ideal set-up for the rally. To make sure an much more good set-up, the Sierra Leone connection turned to Opposite Considering, the ‘Rabbit’ pacesetter within the classics. The gelding will attempt to drive Fierceness and one or two different runners in entrance (most likely Highland Falls, Thoughts Body, Nevada Seaside) to expend vitality making an attempt to get behind him early. Nonetheless, Fierce has proven tactical pace and doesn’t want a result in win. There is a good probability Velasquez will ignore contrarian considering and discover a snug place and tempo on the backstretch earlier than going into high gear. Depth is without doubt one of the most important threats to profitable the Basic, however the one query mark is his tendency to place in below-average efforts at instances, together with a disappointing fifth-place end within the Whitney Stakes two races in the past.
without end younger
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
coach: Yoshito Yahagi
Proprietor: Susumu Fujita
Work historical past: 12 begins – 9 wins – 0 seconds – 3/3
Profession revenue: $15,718,590
High numbers for equal base pace: 113
Pedigree: Congratulations to Actual Metal – Without end Darling
yr: 4
coloration: bay
Working fashion: stalker
evaluation: Japan’s Without end Younger is competing within the Longines Basic as a wild card, however has not been seen in North America since ending third in final yr’s occasion. Heading into this race, he had already established a repute as a viable risk to America’s greatest 3-year-olds when he practically gained the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and ran effectively within the Del Mar Basic, the place he completed 2 3/4 lengths behind Sierra Leone and 1 1/4 lengths behind Fierceness. This yr, Without end Younger received his begin as a 4-year-old with a simple victory ($10 million) within the high-stakes 1 1/8-mile Saudi Cup, completed third within the 1 1/4-mile Dubai World Cup introduced by Emirates, then, after an almost six-month break, ramped up his type for the Basic, scoring a formidable victory over powerful opponents within the 1 1/8-mile Nippon Tv Cup. Based mostly on the proof of losses to good however not nice American horses Hitshow and Mixt final yr and on the World Cup, Without end Younger is a step under the highest contenders for the Longines Basic…however not by a lot. He has by no means completed worse than third, has proven he can deal with a mile and 1 / 4, and must be prepared to offer his greatest efficiency in his second begin after the layoff.
Highland Falls
Jockey: Luis Saez
coach: brad cox
Proprietor: godolphin
Work historical past: 13 begins – 6 wins – 3 seconds – 2/3
Profession revenue: $1,632,660
High numbers for equal base pace: 113
Pedigree: Carlin – Spherical Pond, Superior Once more
yr: 5
coloration: chestnut
Working fashion: stalker
evaluation: When a Grade 1 winner who has earned greater than $1.6 million on the racetrack is an effective wager to earn post-time odds of 20-1 or higher on a race, it may be a particular occasion. This yr’s Longines Basic is not any completely different. Highland Falls has solely completed within the high three twice in 13 profession video games. It was his fourth time within the 2024 Santa Anita Handicap Offered by Yermaba Resort & On line casino and a distant ninth place in final yr’s Basic. He confirmed no risk in any respect that afternoon at Del Mar Race Course in opposition to a area that was most likely worse than the one he would face on Nov. 1, however he got here again as a 5-year-old and ran effectively in all three of his begins, profitable the 1-mile allowance race and operating effectively behind Sierra Leone within the 1 1/8-mile Whitney Stakes, the place he then completed fourth, however 1 He moved as much as third place within the 1/4-mile Jockey S, aiming for a consecutive win. Membership Gold Cup Stakes, gained by Antiquarian. Within the Jockey Membership Gold Cup, Highland Falls was one of many horses to endure an accident early on when Thoughts Body misplaced his jockey, however recovered and put in his standard strong effort. His greatest most likely is not ok to win this yr’s Basic, however Highland Falls has proven sufficient capacity to fee him as a fill-in candidate for a trifecta or superfecta.
journalism
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
coach: michael mccarthy
Proprietor: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stables, Eclipse Thoroughbred Companions, Elaine Stables 5, Robert LaPenta, Susan Magnia, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith.
Work historical past: 10 begins – 6 wins – 3 seconds – 1 third
Profession revenue: $3,998,880
High numbers for equal base pace: 110
Pedigree: Karlin – Mopotism, by Uncle Mo
yr: 3
coloration: bay
Working fashion: stalker
evaluation: Among the many Longines Basic’s star-studded roster, Journalism is second to none by way of fan attraction, apart from Sovereignty and Without end Younger. He’s the epitome of a top-class equine athlete, ending second or worse in all of his begins on the stakes stage, together with two second-place finishes by Sovereign Hoof within the Kentucky Derby introduced by Woodford Reserve and the Belmont Stakes introduced by NYRA Bets. Moreover, Journalism confirmed unbelievable braveness in competitors, most notably when he gained the 1 3/16-mile Preakness Stakes by a surprising half-length after bouncing between horses within the early phases. This well-bred colt would have been a Triple Crown winner if not for Sovereignty, and his rival’s presence within the Classics, in addition to the expansion of Pennsylvania Derby winner Baeza (Journalism has completed first thrice), are a trigger for concern for a stallion whose pace numbers seem like flat. Journalism carried out effectively in his ultimate Breeders’ Cup preparation, however he could not match his overwhelming fierness when he completed second within the one-mile, one-quarter-mile Pacific Basic Stakes at this observe in August. Since then, he has continued to coach very effectively in Southern California and we are able to count on him to cost from his standard stalking spot on the quarter pole, however whether or not that can be sufficient to win this area is an open query. Maybe a jockey change to Jose Ortiz would enhance his probabilities.
locked
Jockey: to be determined
coach: tod plecher
Proprietor: Eclipse Thoroughbred Companions and Walmack Farm
Work historical past: 11 begins – 6 wins – 1 2nd place – 3 3rds
Profession revenue: $1,911,825
High worth of equal base pace:109
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Luna Rossa, Malibu Moon
yr: 4
coloration: chestnut
Working fashion: stalker
evaluation: Locked must be in rivalry with Highland Falls because the horse with the perfect post-time odds on the Longines Basic amongst horses with a legit probability to win (in different phrases, not counting contrarily sinking). Much like Highland Falls, he had a formidable profession file (ending within the high three simply as soon as in 11 begins) and amassed a seven-figure bankroll. He has two Group 1 wins on his resume, together with a dominant eight-and-a-half size victory within the one-mile and one-quarter mile Santa Anita Handicap hosted by Yaamaba Resort & On line casino in early March. Regardless of these achievements, based mostly on pace numbers, Locked maxed out at a decrease stage than most of his Basic opponents. His huge cap victory got here on a observe of considerably decrease high quality than the one he confronted on Nov. 1, and he gained the 1 1/8-mile Woodward Stakes in New York on Sept. 27, the lead-up race to the Basic, in opposition to solely two different horses. Locked is a racehorse within the extremely recreation, and together with his greatest efforts he may probably meet the superfecta on the Longines Basic, however his probabilities in opposition to this elite group are slim.
thoughts body
Jockey: Airado Ortiz Jr.
coach: tod plecher
Proprietor: Lepore Stables and St. Elias Stables
Work historical past: 8 begins – 5 wins – 2 seconds – 0 instances 3 instances
Profession revenue: $1,844,580
High numbers for equal base pace: 118
Pedigree: Structure – A Stroll within the Stars, by Road Sense
yr: 4
coloration: darkish bay or brown
Working fashion: please choose up the tempo
evaluation: Regardless of having the very best Equibase pace determine on this stacked Longines Basic area, Thoughts Body may very well be considerably neglected after the instances if final yr’s Basic high three and 2025’s Elite 3-year-old trio obtain nearly all of betting assist. A value within the 6-1 to 10-1 vary can be very engaging for a horse that has completed first or second in each race he has accomplished together with his jockey. It is because the horse has solely eight profession begins, and even at 4 years outdated, there’s nonetheless room for him to enhance. Thoughts Body began 2025 with three consecutive wins in stakes races, the primary two coming across the first nook, adopted by a formidable rating to beat Sierra Leone by one size within the 1 1/8-mile Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs. The Structure colt had gained the Stephen Foster race with a pace of 118, the very best of any Basic runner, and was poised to construct on that effort within the 1 mile and 4 minute Jockey Membership Gold Cup Stakes on August thirty first. As an alternative, the stallion and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. had been lucky to flee hurt, though Thoughts Body collided with Phileas Fogg shortly after the beginning and induced a sequence response that induced a lack of rider. Thoughts Body Enters Though he hasn’t made a aggressive begin within the Basic since late June, he has been coaching steadily at Saratoga in latest weeks, and after an extended break (greater than seven months), he has already confirmed he’s able to profitable in his 2025 debut. Add that up and the colt charges himself as having a superb probability of pulling off a serious upset in opposition to a way more high-profile opponent within the Basic, barring any lasting results from his Gold Cup mishap.
nevada seashore
Jockey: mike smith
coach: bob baffert
Proprietor: Mike Pegram, Carl Watson, Paul Wightman
Work historical past: 4 begins – 3 wins – 1 second – 0 thirds
Profession revenue: $296,500
High numbers for equal base pace: 108
Pedigree: Omaha Seaside – Morrow Cove, written by Sure It’s True
yr: 3
coloration: darkish bay or brown
Working fashion: please choose up the tempo
evaluation: The three-year-olds at this yr’s Longines Basic can be represented by the well-known Sovereignty, Journalism and Baeza, in addition to this up-and-coming racehorse. Nevada Seaside scored an upset victory over an older horse within the 1 1/8-mile Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita Park, beating odds-on favourite Furserrano by a size and a half. After closing in on Full Serrano’s tempo for the primary half-mile, it was a formidable effort to maneuver ahead and preserve his opponent, who gained final yr’s Huge Ass Enjoyable Breeders’ Cup Dust Mile, at bay within the straight line. Nevada Seaside pushed his Equibase pace numbers at Goodwood to a career-high 108, and he is eligible for much more enchancment regardless that it is solely his fifth profession begin. However it is a very troublesome place to maneuver ahead. ‘Huge Cash’ Mike Smith will experience at Goodwood for the primary time at Nevada Seaside and may take a place not far forward of devoted pacesetter Opposite Considering within the Basic. His pedigree suggests this stallion is greatest fitted to mile to mile and eighth mile races, which he lined in his ultimate preparations. So a rematch with Furserrano within the Breeders’ Cup Dust Mile seems to be a extra sensible project.
Sierra Leone
Jockey: Flavien Prat
coach: chad brown
Proprietor: Peter Brandt, Susan Magnier, Michael Taber, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Brooke Smith
Work historical past: 13 begins – 5 wins – 5 seconds – 3/3
Profession revenue: $7,006,200
High numbers for equal base pace: 117
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Heavenly Love, Malibu Moon
yr: 4
coloration: darkish bay or brown
Working fashion: close by
evaluation: Final yr, Sierra Leone recorded a light upset on the Longines Basic in Del Mar because the fourth betting alternative at odds of 6.90 to 1. He entered the race 4 straight instances, coming from behind to complete second or third, together with dropping to second by a nostril within the 2024 Kentucky Derby, however all the pieces went effectively within the Basic. Benefiting from his quick tempo, he recovered from 13 1/4 lengths off the lead after half a mile, stormed down the straight, and overtook Fierceness (who had been on the tempo early on) to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Sierra Leone returned in 2025 and completed a disappointing third within the 1 1/8 mile stakes at Fairgrounds in his debut, however ran effectively in the identical distance Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs, operating second to Thoughts Body. In his third begin this yr, the Sierra Leone jockey gained the 1 1/8-mile Whitney Stakes at Saratoga by a size over Highland Falls because of Flavien Prat’s completely timed timing, and within the 1 1/4-mile Jockey Membership Gold Cup Stakes on the similar observe, Thoughts Body was pressured to take a tricky verify early within the race when he was unseated, ending second behind Antiquarian to shut out his Longines Basic preparations. Jockey. The Sierra Leone is a simple horse to judge. This horse has a superb pedigree for mile and quarter meter racing and can be a one-dimensional nearer, permitting him to begin charging at a certain tempo. So co-owner Peter Brandt re-entered the gelding, Opposite Considering, to function ‘Rabbit’ (a devoted pacesetter) with the objective of setting a quick part within the first mile or so of the Basic and giving Sierra Leone an opportunity to win. Opposite Sinking raced in each the Whitney Stakes and the Jockey Membership Gold Cup Stakes, however it’s debatable whether or not his presence made a lot of a distinction. The tempo in each races was strong however not intense, however Sierra Leone carried out at an ordinary stage in each races regardless of struggling within the Gold Cup. Rabbit or not, if Sierra Leone is to hitch Tiznow as two Breeders’ Cup Basic winners, he should get previous a formidable group of present 3-year-olds and Thoughts Body, his 2024 Basic rivals, to succeed in the winner’s circle. If he accomplishes that mission, he could grow to be the horse of the yr once more.
sovereignty
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
coach: Invoice Mott
Proprietor: godolphin
Work historical past: 9 Begins – 6 Wins – 2 Seconds – 3 0
Profession revenue: $5,835,300
High numbers for equal base pace: 113
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Topped, by Bernardini
yr: 3
coloration: bay
Working fashion: stalker
evaluation: Sovereignty enters the Longines Basic with a chance to safe victory. That win places him within the dialogue of getting the perfect season for a 3-year-old colt in 2021, together with American Pharoah (2015) and perhaps Curlin (2007).cent century. He has gained 4 straight races in visually spectacular style, beginning with the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby hosted by Woodford Reserve, the 1 1/4-mile Belmont Stakes introduced by NYRA Betts, the 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy Stakes introduced by Mohegan Solar, and the 1 1/4-mile DraftKings Travers Stakes. Travers’ victory at Saratoga in late August got here in opposition to 4 overwhelming opponents and was little greater than a paid exercise, however in his different three victories Sovereignty dealt with the perfect groups of his era admirably. Within the Basic, he’ll as soon as once more face two acquainted foes in Journalism and Baeza, however the extra attention-grabbing query is whether or not Sovereignty can step up and defeat a top quality group of older horses led by Fearshaness, Sierra Leone, Thoughts Body and Without end Younger (bear in mind, Journalism completed effectively behind Fearshaness within the Pacific Basic Stakes, his first foray with older horses). This extraordinarily gifted stallion has a stalking fashion good for the classics, his 3-for-3 mile and quarter information are off the paper, and jockey Junior Alvarado is as snug using him as most individuals are going out for a spin within the household automotive (on this case, the household Ferrari). It might be shocking if Sovereignty would not qualify through the Longines Basic on November 1st, but when he can pull off a five-game profitable streak in opposition to this formidable area, a Corridor of Fame induction may very well be in his future.
