The Breeders’ Cup Classic: No Sovereignty, But Class in Abundance

The heavy favorite may be out, but with names like Sierra Leone, Forever Young, Journalism, Fierceness, Baeza, and Mindframe in the lineup, anticipation remains sky-high

Sierra Leone Aims to Win the Classic Once Again... / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar, California)

DEL MAR, California — Even without Sovereignty (Into Mischief), the overwhelming favorite sidelined earlier this week due to a fever, anticipation remains sky-high for the 2025 GI Breeders’ Cup Classic, where a stellar cast of 10 will line up over 2000 meters in pursuit of the $7 million prize.

Featuring the best older horses and the season’s standout sophomores, this renewal promises to be one of the deepest in recent memory—drawing comparisons to the legendary 1998 edition, when Awesome Again (Deputy Minister) etched his name into Breeders’ Cup history.

Trainer Todd Pletcher will be doubly represented with Fierceness (City of Light), winner of the GI Pacific Classichere at Del Mar, and Mindframe (Constitution), who captured the GI Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs. Both arrive in peak condition and possess tactical versatility that could prove decisive in such a well-balanced field.

Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), last year’s Classic hero and 2024’s Champion 3-Year-Old Colt, returns with his signature poise and determination, seeking to defend his crown after victories in the GI Whitney Stakes and a runner-up finish in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup. His duel with Fierceness—whom he narrowly defeated in this race a year ago—adds an extra layer of intrigue.

The international angle comes from Japan’s Forever Young, back in the U.S. after an impressive comeback win at home on October 1. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi for Susumu Fujita, the son of Real Steel has unfinished business: he finished third in both last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic and the GI Kentucky Derby, both times behind Sierra Leone. Victorious earlier this year in the G1 Saudi Cup, he will be a formidable contender once again.

Among the 3-year-olds, Journalism (Curlin) and Baeza (McKinzie)—the latter partnered by Chilean jockey Héctor Berríos—look to seize the spotlight against older rivals, continuing a tradition of Classic upsets by the younger generation. Six Kentucky Derby winners have gone on to capture the Classic—four as sophomores, two as older horses—showing that youth can indeed prevail. Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach), who defeated Argentine Full Serrano (Full Mast) in the GI Goodwood Cup, adds another layer of intrigue as the wild card, with potential to surprise if he handles both the distance and Del Mar’s demanding layout.

As always in the Classic, tactics will be everything. Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief), a stablemate to Sierra Leone, is expected to act as pacemaker to ensure a tempo that suits the defending champion’s powerful late kick. Meanwhile, Fierceness and Mindframe are likely to adjust on the fly, using their natural speed and rider experience to control the race flow and fend off any early challengers.

With ideal weather and a fast track expected, the Breeders’ Cup Classic will again deliver high drama at the sport’s highest level. It’s a race that blends youthful promise, proven excellence, and international prestige—each stride likely to carry championship implications.

Though Sovereignty will be missed, the 2025 Classic still promises a battle worthy of its legacy: a contest of stamina, brilliance, and heart that could shape not only year-end honors but also the future of the breed. In Southern California, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in Breeders’ Cup history.