2025 Breeders' Cup Classic Overview: Fierceness Heads a Competitive Field

Get ready for North America’s richest race with a deep dive into this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic

As of Tuesday morning, the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic was shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Featuring the top three finishers from previous years and ten horses with 20 combined Grade 1 or Group 1 race victories, the lineup includes formidable contenders: Kentucky Derby winner Forever Young, who has amassed over $15.7 million in earnings.

However, the abrupt withdrawal of Sovereignty, who was set to have a standout season, has altered the dynamic of the race. After suffering a fever, Sovereignty was unable to compete, leaving a vacuum in the mix of elite contenders.

Without Sovereignty in the race, Fierceness steps into the spotlight as the new favorite, currently priced at 5-2. Defending champion Sierra Leone is second at 7-2, alongside Forever Young, with both figures and Preakness Stakes winner Journalism ranging around 5-1.

What to know about the 42nd Breeders’ Cup Classic

What: 42nd Breeders’ Cup Classic
Where: Del Mar, California
Who: Nine horses
Purse: $7 million
Distance: 1¼ miles
Post Time: 6:25 PM ET
Network: NBC
Weather: Sunny, high of 71°F

Current Odds

Fierceness (5-2)
Baeza (10-1)
Nevada Beach (20-1)
Contrary Thinking (50-1)
Forever Young (7-2)
Sovereignty - Scratched
Sierra Leone (7-2)
Mindframe (6-1)
Journalism (5-1)
Antiquarian (10-1)

Odds as of Thursday afternoon

Expert Picks

Gene Menez has had a stellar track record with successful predictions at previous Breeders’ Cup events. His top pick for the race is Forever Young.
Jeff Hochman, also a prominent expert and microshare horse owner, is focusing on a particularly promising entry.
Michelle Yu, a well-known racing analyst, considers a horse primed for significant performance improvement as a strong contender.

Road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic

Significant races that set the stage for competitors include:

February 22, Saudi Cup: Winner - Forever Young
April 5, Santa Anita Derby: Winner - Journalism
May 3, Kentucky Derby: Winner - Sovereignty

Fierceness is seen as perhaps the most talented horse in Todd Pletcher’s training barn, competing in the Classic after a strong previous run. Sierra Leone looks to vindicate his title as the reigning champion amidst a stellar field.