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LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 03: Sovereignty with Junior Alvarado riding wins the 151 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Racetrack, on May 3, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Horsephotos/Getty Images) Getty Images The $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar is the crown jewel of the World Championships — and this year’s renewal brings together an electric mix of elite 3-year-olds and proven older stars. The 1 1/4-mile test headlines the two-day festival, and all signs point to a showdown that could define Horse of the Year honors. Let’s break down the key contenders and how you can bet the race with confidence — then grab the full Breeders’ Cup picks and Betting Bible now at RacingDudes.com. Sovereignty – 6-5 Favorite The Godolphin homebred and Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Travers winner headlines the field as the 6-5 morning-line favorite. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Sovereignty will break from post 6 under Junior Alvarado. He’s done everything right this season, but this will be his first time facing older horses. Expect him to sit just off the early pace and pounce turning for home — a trip that fits Del Mar perfectly. As the likely single on most tickets, the key question isn’t if he fires, but how you build around him to maximize returns. Betting Angle: He’ll be everyone’s top pick, so pairing him with value runners in the Exacta or Trifecta is essential. MORE FOR YOU Sierra Leone – 8-1 Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner returns to defend his crown. The 4-year-old has been solid all season and owns a tactical running style that should fit well if the pace gets hot. Trained by Chad Brown, he’s one of the few proven older horses capable of taking down the Derby winner. Betting Angle: Excellent choice underneath Sovereignty in exotics. If you believe in a pace meltdown, he could pull the repeat. Fierceness – 4-1 The 2023 Juvenile winner and 2024 3-year-old standout has rediscovered his form after a midseason slump. Breaking from the rail, he has the early speed to dictate terms — and Del Mar’s surface has historically rewarded tactical front-runners in this race. Betting Angle: Use in Exactas and Pick 4s. If he clears early without pressure, he could wire them at a price. Journalism – 10-1 The Preakness winner has been the “other” 3-year-old all season behind Sovereignty, but don’t sleep on his upside. He’s shown steady improvement and could get the ideal stalking trip from post 9. Betting Angle: Live longshot to spice up Trifectas and Superfectas. Great value play if you think Sovereignty might get softened up early. Forever Young (JPN) – 6-1 Japan’s hope returns for redemption after a strong but unlucky campaign abroad. His late-running style could make noise if the leaders hook up early. Few horses in the world finish stronger when the pace collapses. Betting Angle: Use in the bottom of Trifectas and Supers. A pace-dependent closer who could grab a big check late. How to Bet It Win Bet: Sovereignty (single in multi-race wagers) Exacta: Sovereignty over Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Journalism Trifecta/Superfecta: Key Sovereignty on top with Sierra Leone, Journalism, and Forever Young underneath Pick 4/Pick 5: Use Sovereignty as your anchor; spread in undercard races for value Get Expert Picks and Betting Strategies For full race-by-race analysis, pace projections, and bankroll management strategies, grab the Breeders’ Cup Betting Bible at RacingDudes.com. It’s your ultimate edge with expert opinions, AI-powered picks, and value plays for all 14 Breeders’ Cup races. Don’t just bet — bet smarter. Get the Racing Dudes’ full Breeders’ Cup coverage now at RacingDudes.com Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
