Ted Noffey returns after more than a year: the undefeated champion gets a fresh opportunity

The champion 2-year-old of 2025 will return to action this Saturday in the Dwyer Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park after overcoming bone issues. The son of Into Mischief, a winner of three G1 events including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), will bid to reclaim his spot at the top with John Velazquez in the irons

ELMONT, New York.— More than a year after his last racing appearance, Ted Noffey is ready to return to the track.The 2025 champion 2-year-old colt in the United States, undefeated in four career starts, will be one of the headline attractions this Saturday at Belmont Park, where he is set to contest the Dwyer Stakes (L) over 1600 meters with a $200,000 purse.

His return marks a major storyline for American racing. The son of Into Mischief, campaigned by Spendthrift Farmand trained by Todd Pletcher, wrapped up his juvenile campaign as one of the most promising colts of his generation,but a bone injury halted his momentum throughout 2026.

The anticipation surrounding his comeback is easily understood through his past credentials. He made a winning debut at Saratoga in August 2025 and, one month later, captured the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at the same venue. He subsequently added the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland before crowning his campaign in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar, where he prevailed by a length.

That performance cemented his championship title, though he has not raced since.

During the American winter, bone bruising issues emerged that forced a pause in his training routine. The recovery process demanded patience and a progressive exercise regimen until he finally achieved the condition required for a return to competition.

Pletcher had initially considered the Perryville Stakes (L) on October 17 at Keeneland, but opted to shift plans and target the Dwyer directly.

Daniel Toffey, racing manager for Spendthrift Farm, expressed satisfaction with the colt's progress.

“Ted is doing exceptionally well and has put together several excellent breezes. He had ample time to regain his physical condition and ensure he was fully prepared,” he explained.

Among his workmates was Sassmaster (Curlin), a G1-placed recent winner at Keeneland, serving as a solid yardstick to evaluate his fitness.

“It's a tough race, but it will give us a good indication of where we stand after such a long time away from the track,” Toffey added.

He also noted the physical transformation of the champion, who has developed from an immature juvenile into a fully mature individual.

“He looks like a proper racehorse now. He has filled out tremendously, gained significant muscle mass, and looks phenomenal. You never know how a horse will return after such a prolonged absence, but we're grateful for the opportunity to see him race again,” he said.

John Velazquez, who piloted him in all four of his victories, will reunite with him in the irons. He will break from post position 6 in a 10-horse field and has been installed as the 8-5 morning-line favorite.

The opposition includes Sea Strike (Midshipman), a stakes winner trained by Chad Brown with Flavien Prat aboard,and Stimulate, a son of Tapit out of the remarkable Elate (Medaglia d'Oro), sent out by Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado.

Conversely, Doug O'Neill indicated that Decisive Win (Nyquist) will be scratched from the race.

For Ted Noffey, the outcome carries significance that goes far beyond any purse money. Following a flawless juvenile season and an extended layoff, the Dwyer will measure how much remains of the brilliance that made him a champion.

The talent was proven long ago. Now he must confirm that he has successfully overcome both time and physical setbacks.