Breeders’ Cup Classic Pick, Odds, Trends & Preview (Nov 1)
The feature race of the world-famous Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar is set for Nov 1, as a clash of generations will see the reigning Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty collide with older superstars such as Sierra Leone and Fierceness in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. You can find the odds and our pick for the Grade One here.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Overview
- When: Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 6:25 PM ET
- Where: Del Mar, California
- How to Watch: USA/Peacock
- Grade: Grade One
- Distance: 1 ¼ Miles
- Purse: $7 Million
Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sovereignty | +175 |
| Fierceness | +525 |
| Sierra Leone | +600 |
| Forever Young | +650 |
| Mindframe | +1000 |
| Other Selections | +1100 & Bigger |
ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Pick, Odds, Trends & Preview (Oct 31)
Breeders’ Cup Classic Recent Winners
| Year | Winning Horse |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Sierra Leone |
| 2023 | White Abarrio |
| 2022 | Flightline |
| 2021 | Knicks Go |
| 2020 | Authentic |
Breeders’ Cup Classic Trends
- Five of the last eleven winners of the Breeders’ Cup Classic have been aged three.
- Grade One form is a must, all but two of the last 25 victors have previously claimed success at the highest level.
- All 25 of the previous winners have finished in the top three on their final start before running in the Classic.
- Three of the last four winners of the Classic have been drawn in stalls 1-4.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Leading Contenders
A Breeders’ Cup Classic for the ages is set for Del Mar on November 1, with a pre-entry field of eleven still holding their ground. Sovereignty is a deserving favorite for the William Mott yard. The Kentucky Derby champion has continued to showcase his quality throughout the back end of the season, landing the G2 Jim Dandy and G1 Travers Stakes.
Todd Pletcher will be hoping that it is second time lucky for Fierceness in the Classic this year after finishing second behind Sierra Leone 12 months ago. The four-year-old couldn’t have been more impressive on his final prep, beating Journalism by three lengths at Del Mar in the G1 Pacific Classic.
Journalism could be primed to reverse that form with a new rider aboard. The three-year-old has danced every dance this season, finishing second in the Derby and Belmont, and landing the Preakness. Appears to relish Del Mar, and this kind of test could suit him more than most.
Sierra Leone is the defending champion for trainer Chad Brown. The four-year-old loves Del Mar, evidenced by his win in the race 12 months ago. He is a consistent performer in Grade One company, and is likely a must for Exotic players despite his recent second in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Forever Young ensures that there is an international feel to the Classic this year. The four-year-old was third in the race 12 months ago, and wasn’t beaten far when third in the Kentucky Derby on his only U.S. start. Was a sensational winner of the G1 Saudi Cup ahead of Romantic Warrior earlier in the campaign, and last year indicates that he will go well fresh once again.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Pick
A sensational renewal of the Classic is set for Del Mar. Three-year-old form should be respected, and the absence of Rispoli is a major positive in my opinion for Journalism. He has little to find on Sovereignty and could get his day in the sun. Sierra Leone is a must for Exotics, while Antiquarian is a major player if there is a pace breakdown.
Free Pick:
