South America Boasts Multiple Breeders’ Cup Hopes

Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay Already Have Horses in the U.S. Targeting Del Mar’s Showpiece Event, With Champions and Standouts Aiming for Various Races

Sarawak Rim Already Galloping for Ignacio Correas IV at Keeneland / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The Breeders’ Cup has long been a dream destination for South American racing — once a near-impossible goal, now a realistic and often-repeated achievement. From the unforgettable double triumph of Bayakoa (Arg) (Consultant’s Bid) to the more recent victories of stars like Paseana (Arg) (Ahmad), Invasor (Arg) (Candy Stripes), Calidoscopio (Arg) (Luhuk), Blue Prize (Arg) (Pure Prize) and Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast), the continent has left an indelible mark on the sport’s biggest international stage. In 2025, that presence promises to be larger and more ambitious than ever.

In recent weeks, several South American standouts have arrived in the United States with sights firmly set on the sport’s most prestigious festival, to be held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Del Mar. The group spans different ages, distances and backgrounds, but they share a common trait: the class to dream big.

Among the first to arrive was Sarawak Rim (Arg) (Remote), the mare who captured Palermo’s G1 Gran Premio Criadores in May to secure her spot in the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff. She is in the care of Ignacio Correas IV, the same trainer who guided fellow Argentine Blue Prize to Distaff glory in 2019. Now based at Keeneland, Sarawak Rim is settling into her U.S. routine.

From Peru comes La Kika (Per) (Badge of Silver), heroine of the G1 Clásico Pamplona at Monterrico and ticketed for the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She is now with California-based Doug O’Neill, who has tapped Chilean rider Héctor Berríos for the mount. Her speed and turn of foot could be well suited to California turf.

Uruguay will be represented by the colt Touch of Destiny (Uru) (Overanalyze), a stakes winner at Maroñas now in the barn of Michael McCarthy at Del Mar, aiming for the GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile — a race won in 2024 by none other than Argentine Full Serrano (Full Mandate). The latter is also set for a comeback under John Sadler, with the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic the ultimate goal.

Chile brings Richi (Chi) (Practical Joke), a versatile mare with strong U.S. form who could target either the GI Filly & Mare Sprint or take her chance in the Distaff, where Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) is the likely favorite.

Joining her from Chile is Gran Oriente (Chi) (Classic Empire), winner of the prestigious G1 Clásico Club Hípico de Santiago-Falabella, which earned him an automatic berth in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile. Now under Marcelo Polancoin California, the dark bay will need to adapt quickly to the fast tempo of U.S. mile racing.

Taken together, the South American squad for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup is not only growing in size, but also showing competitive depth that demands attention. Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay arrive with proven names — some already international champions, others rising stars ready to shine on racing’s grandest stage.

History shows that when circumstances align, South American-breds can compete — and win — against the world’s best. This November at Del Mar, the next chapter of that tradition could unfold, with the South American flag flying high over the Pacific.