2023 Classic winner White Abarrio ready for the Dirt Mile. (Jenny Doyle/Past The Wire)
Shippers From Overseas Land In Del Mar For Breeders’ Cup
Official Scratch Information
Breeders’ Cup Notes/Del Mar Press Office/Edited
It was a busy morning on the Del Mar main track as the European horses cleared quarantine. As expected on the first day of training, the vast majority of horses had a trot and canter with nothing else notable to report.
Official Scratch Information
Friday 10-31-25
Race # 6 Juvenile Turf Sprint – Scratch AE # 14 Should’ve (Ward) did not ship
Race #9 Juvenile – Scratch #5 Civil Liberty (O’Neill) trainer withdrawn
Saturday 11-1-25
Race #4 Filly & Mare Sprint – Scratch #5 Fee Blanche (Fujita) veterinary scratch
WORK REPORT:
There were a few blowout works for Breeders’ Cup contestants this morning. Banishing, entered in the Sprint went three-furlongs in :37.60 for trainer Chad Summers; Be Your Best, entered in the Filly & Mare Turf, worked three-furlongs in :36.60; and Switch in Love, a Japanese hopeful in the Juvenile Fillies Turf worked four-furlongs in :53.00.
Switch In Love will look to win the Juvenile Fillies Turf for Japan! pic.twitter.com/eUcRD59EpL
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 28, 2025
Shippers From Overseas Land In Del Mar For Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup has already set a new record and they haven’t even run a race yet. Horses from 13 countries will run in the 42nd edition of the World Championships set for this Friday and Saturday at Del Mar. That’s a new mark for global reach for the Breeders’ Cup. This year’s contenders hail from five continents and represent Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Japan, Peru, South Africa, the United States, and Uruguay.
The number of international shippers entered for the 14 Breeders’ Cup races totals 55, and while the number is less than last year’s record number of 80 that came for the Cup, it’s on par with the number that came stateside to race in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.
As with every year, trainer Aidan O’Brien leads the entourage coming to the Breeders’ Cup from across the pond. O’Brien is from Ireland and leads all trainers in the number of entries run in the Breeders’ Cup over the years at 186. This year he brings eight to the festivities that begin Friday with the Future Stars program, five races featuring top-level juveniles. O’Brien has all three of the Friday grass races covered and the Turf, Mile and Filly & Mare Turf on Saturday.
The obligatory ‘the O’Brien’s have arrived’ Breeders Cup video pic.twitter.com/EPZGQSeB7J
— Shamela Hanley (@simmy_hanley) October 28, 2025
“For me, just being here is a good Breeders’ Cup,” O’Brien states. “To get any winner here is very tough and if you think otherwise, you’re kidding yourself. When the races start a lot of stuff can happen. You can’t give an inch anywhere and if you do it’s very difficult to get it back.”
O’Brien is tied with D. Wayne Lukas for the most Breeders’ Cup wins by a trainer with 20.
“Everybody wants to win here,” O’Brien adds. “You’re racing for a lot of money and prestige. I don’t take anything for granted.”
International Contingent Contends on Turf
The largest collection of international horses can be found in the Turf where no less than nine European horses have been entered. Minnie Hauk, the star of O’Brien’s group, just missed by a head in the Prix de l’Arc de’Triomphe. She already has wins this year in the Oaks at Epsom, the Irish Oaks and the Yorkshire Oaks.
She’ll be butting heads with Rebel’s Romance, trainer Charlie Appleby’s globetrotting star, who will be out to win the Turf for the second year in a row and third time overall.
“He comes here in great order,” Appleby says. “No horse knows his way better around these tracks than himself. He shipped in well and he looks great.”
Appleby and Juddmonte Farms have six horses entered in the Breeders’ Cup including Notable Speech in the Mile, a race Appleby has won three of the last four years.
Last year More Than Looks broke the string of four straight wins by the Europeans in the Mile and this year there are five Euro invaders looking to take back the crown. This year’s Mile also features a Japan-based mare, a Chilean horse making his U.S. debut and a horse from South Africa.
The sharpest decline in the number of horses coming over from one country is in the group from Japan. Their numbers are down from 20 last year to eight this year.
Japan’s string are heading out!
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 26, 2025
Watch them gallop on Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup, LIVE now! pic.twitter.com/9WJHGV1e1s
“I think last year was a little bit of a reality check,” says Kate Hunter, the liaison for the Japanese contingent. “Last year it was the first year back to Del Mar since they had their two big historic wins. The enthusiasm to come back here was insane. Everybody and their dog wanted to come over. We ran out of room on the plane.”
“I think they underestimated the title ‘World Championships’, Hunter continues. “I think everyone kind of thought ‘oh, this is going to be easy.’ But it’s the world championships for a reason and so I think they were a little more selective this year on who to send. All these horses are coming off wins this summer and wins over distances they match the races they’re entered in.”
Forever Young is back in the Classic. The popular colt has run third in both of his North American races, last year’s Kentucky Derby and in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He notched another third place finish a few months later in the Dubai World Cup.
There’s a horse from down under running in this year’s Breeders’ Cup. Invincible Papa, bred in Australian and based in Japan, is entered in the Turf Sprint. Three Australian-bred horses have run in the Breeders’ Cup over the years. Strawberry Road finished second in the Turf in 1985; Starspangledbanner ran tenth in the Turf Sprint in 2012 and Oleksandra finished ninth in the 2020 Turf Sprint.
International Report
Silawi (IRE) (Turf) was the first European horse to leave the quarantine barn heading for a canter on the main track shortly after 6 a.m. The winner of his most recent start in the Canadian International (G1) at Woodbine, Silawi drew post 7 at Monday’s post-position draw. Wathnan Racing’s retained jockey James Doyle will take the ride on Saturday for trainer Hamad Al Jehani.
Cathedral (GB) (Filly & Mare Turf) was the first of the Amo Racing-owned horses onto the main track accompanied by a pony. She was shortly followed by the Adrian Murray and Amo Racing stablemates Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Turf Sprint) and Valiant Force (Sprint) who is an also eligible. Arizona Blaze (GB) (Turf Sprint) under assistant trainer, Robson Aguiar, the third of the Adrian Murray trained horses came out to the main track in the 8 a.m. slot. All of Murray’s horses did light exercise.
Amo Racing’s retained jockey, David Egan, has picked Arizona Blaze over Bucanero Fuerte in the Turf Sprint.
Khaadem (IRE) (Turf Sprint) who has been training on the turf since Sunday because of not having to quarantine having shipped in from Keeneland did the same routine again this morning having a canter on the turf.
Victoria Knight who looks after him said; “It would be pretty special if he managed to win as he’s coming towards the end of his career. To win a Grade 2 at Keeneland last time shows he is in great form and comes here with a chance. At Keeneland I remember before turning in thinking it was a bit of a waste of time, but then he took off.
“He thrives in the sunshine and in front of good crowds. We’ve a great team at home and all do our best to get as many winners as we can. To deal with Khaadem day to day he’s very good, a real gent in his stable. Occasionally he’ll decide not to do a whole lot when training but he’s a super horse.”
Donnacha O’Brien has been in California a couple of days and was trackside to watch his team train.
O’Brien said: “Havana Anna (GB) (Juvenile Turf Sprint) I think the drop back to 5 furlongs will suit her, as will the sharp track as she’s all speed. Realistically she’s our best chance of the weekend. To run in a Breeders’ Cup race they need gate speed, early pace, and handle fast ground and ultimately need to be very good horses to run in these races.
"If they're good enough to run in these races, everyone wants to be here."
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 27, 2025
Donnacha O'Brien will be looking for his first #BreedersCup win this year at #BC25! pic.twitter.com/aNuPcclSKI
“Balantina (IRE) (Juvenile Fillies Turf), her form is very strong, especially her Royal Ascot form when third in the Albany (Stakes (G3)). She then went to France and just got touched off. She ran on slower ground at The Curragh on her most recent start which wasn’t ideal for her. She could bounce back and run better than her odds suggest.
“Atsila (IRE) (Filly & Mare Turf), she’s going up 3 furlongs so that’s a gamble. The Matron at Leopardstown was very good form when she was third. She ran a bit below that level next time at Newmarket but if we can get improvement from the trip, she could run a good race.”
Joe Leavy, the new champion apprentice jockey in the UK will make his debut in a Breeders’ Cup race aboard Rashabar (IRE) (Turf).
Leavy said; “It’s my first time over here, so I came out early to try and get as much experience on the track and American races as I could before Saturday. On his pedigree he’s bred to get the trip, we’ve seen in his last couple of runs he does stay well. Obviously, we’re going into new grounds with another 2 furlongs, but I think around three bends will definitely help him. The experience for me being here to see new jurisdictions, only positives will come from it.”
Ali Webster, Traveling Head Girl for Brian Meehan, trainer of Rashabar (IRE) said; “He’s very well, he traveled well and looks an absolute picture. He’s nice and fresh, eating well, he looks good.”
LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP TURF
GOLD PHOENIX (IRE)
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Tuesday Activity: Galloped
Planned Activity: Same as Tuesday
The Quote: On the longevity of Gold Phoenix who will be making his fourth start in the Turf and Motorious (GB) who will be making his third start in the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint: “We have a great team and owners who point for races like the Breeders’ Cup. We space out their races to five or six a year to get to events like the Breeders’ Cup.” – Phil D’Amato
REBEL RED
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Tuesday Activity: Galloped 1 3/8m on the main track
Planned Activity: Same routine tomorrow
MAKER’S MARK FILLY & MARE TURF
BE YOUR BEST (IRE)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Set: After renovation break
Tuesday Activity: Blew out 3f over the main track in 36 3/5
Planned Activity: Will jog or gallop over the main track.
The Quote: “Her schedule was a little further out breeze wise, so we just wanted to let her stretch her legs. We’ll probably just jog or gallop tomorrow. She’s happy. She’s consistent and she tries. A mile and three-eighths probably stretches it a bit, but if it’s the right pace, she can get there.” – Saffie Joseph Jr.
MISSION OF JOY
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Tuesday Activity: Galloped
Planned Activity: Same as Tuesday
The Quote: “I like the post (1). We got her out here (in July) because her owners thought she would run her best on firm ground and there are not that many opportunities back east. She is a filly on the improve.” – Phil D’Amato
SHE FEELS PRETTY
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: John Velazquez
Set: After renovation break
Tuesday Activity: Galloped over the main track
Planned Activity: Same routine tomorrow
The Quote: “She’s doing great and had a really nice gallop out there with lots of energy. I’ve only been fortunate enough to come here a few times and my career is young. Last year, we came here and won (the Mile) with More Than Looks, so it’s a little different. The pressure is off – there’s always pressure and stress, but not that added thought of, ‘am I going to win the race?’ She’s going to run her race and try her hardest. To come in with a filly like this where no matter where she finishes, she’ll put in her best run, that gives you all the confidence to go over there.” – Cherie DeVaux
FANDUEL BREEDERS’ CUP MILE
JOHANNES
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Set: 6:15 a.m.
Tuesday Activity: Galloped 1½m and walked through the paddock under exercise rider Baltazar Contreras.
Planned Activity:. Will have a routine gallop and visit starting gate at approximately 6:30 a.m.
The Quote: Can you compare him now to how he was in 2024 when he was a close second in the Mile: “I think if we see another effort like that, like last year’s effort, he’s going to be right there, There’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to do that. He’s given me all the signs that he’s doing really well. And we should see that same effort that he put out last year.” – Tim Yakteen
BREEDERS’ CUP DIRT MILE
NYSOS
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Tuesday Activity: Galloped 1 ½m
Planned Activity: Same as Tuesday
The Quote: “I wish he was in the Classic. He is doing really good. He is a superstar, a real good horse. He was born that way. He was born with a lot of talent.” – Bob Baffert
CYGAMES BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT
BANISHING
Trainer: Chad Summers
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Tuesday Activity: Worked 3f in 37.60 seconds over the main track
Planned Activity: To be determined
The Quote: Banishing was previously trained by co-owner David Jacobson, and transferred to Summers for the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
“He’s a cool horse. I’ve had him all week here and he’s done everything the right way. He’s one of those war horses like David [Jacobson] has historically done really well with. He comes from that great foundation of the Godolphin family, and David was able to capitalize and buy him for the right price, so hopefully he can make everybody proud on Saturday.”
On the breeze: “We just wanted to get a little air into his lungs, obviously cutting back from the mile and an eighth to the three-quarters, you want to know where the wire is and pick it up a little down the lane, and that’s what he did. I had him work three-eighths from the quarter-pole and I’m happy with the way he did it. The rest we will leave up to Tyler [Gaffalione].” – Chad Summers
BENTORNATO
Trainer: Jose D’Angelo
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Set: 5:45
Tuesday Activity: Jogged on first day at track after arriving from Keeneland
Planned Activity: Gallop
The Quote: “I think he is better this year, and he is an improving horse. Last year I was sure he would run big (as a 28-1 longshot) and he did. In his last race (at Churchill Downs Sept. 13), he settled behind horses before making his move.” – Jose D’Angelo
MULLIKIN
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Tuesday Activity: Galloped once around
Planned Activity: Will gallop. Will visit the starting gate and paddock later in the week.
The Quote: “We’ve just put a line through his last race (when seventh in the Forego (G1) at Saratoga Aug. 23). My best guess is that he just bounced off the two big efforts before that race. Two very huge efforts. He scoped clean. He acted fine. It’s just one of those things you can’t waste your time analyzing it, so we just drew a line through it.
“We refreshed him for two or three weeks and got him back to Keeneland. He loves Keeneland. Since then, he’s been working lights out. Physically, he may be even better than last year.
“At first glance, there looks like a lot more speed than last year. Looks like there are horses even farther out than us that like to be forwardly placed. (Mullikin) can do about anything. Our main focus has to be making sure things go smoothly and getting him into the gate.
“I’ve said this before, I wish they could all be like him. He’s straightforward and easy to be around. He knows the job. This is his last race. He’s my first Grade 1 winner, so we’re going to make sure we take care of him.” – Rodolphe Brisset
PNC BANK BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT
SWEET AZTECA
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Jockey: Juan Hernandez
Tuesday Activity: Galloped
Planned Activity: Same as Tuesday
The Quote: “I was surprised she is the (morning line) favorite. I thought Ag Bullet would be in her race (the Prevagen Turf Sprint). She drew post 6. It’s not bad, so that is good.” – Richard Baltas
PREVAGEN BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT
GOVERNOR SAM
Trainer: George Weaver
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Set: 8:45 a.m.
Tuesday Activity: Galloped 1 1/8m
The Quote: “He’s doing very well, and he’s actually training better into his race this year than he was last year. He’s really grown into himself and has put together a nice resume. Running against older horses is a tall task, but we dipped our toe in that water at Keeneland and even though he finished fourth, it wasn’t by very far and cutting back to five-eighths is going to help him. I think he likes this course and it’s up to him and Flavien [Prat] to figure it out.” – George Weaver
JOHN DEERE BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
CELEBRITY WARRIOR
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Luis Saez
Set: 6:30 a.m.
Tuesday Activity: Visited gate and galloped one mile under Nora McCormack.
Planned Activity: Gallop at time TBD
The Quote: “She’s run well in both starts. We’re taking a shot to see if she can maybe get lucky and get a good trip and improve a little bit. Didn’t really anticipate that she would get in, originally. When we saw that the field was coming up a little shorter than it usually does, we were happy to take a chance with her.” – Todd Pletcher.
TIME TO DREAM
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Set: 8:10 a.m.
Tuesday Activity: Visited gate and galloped 1m under Nora McCormack.
Planned Activity: Routine gallop at time TBD.
The Quote: “Well, the one thing we learned from Up to the Mark, buying him out of Not This Time’s first crop, is that it seems like the Not This Times do everything. Some of them turf. Some of them dirt. Some of them sprint. Some of them are like Next, who was the best marathon horse in the country last year. It’s just such a versatile stallion. We were just hoping to get a runner on any surface and training her, we did breeze her once on the turf, and we thought we saw some improvements. Once we saw that, we were pretty focused on getting her career started on the turf and the way she ran, there’s obviously no reason to make a change. Unfortunately, she got shuffled back a little bit and got stuck in some traffic in the Jessamine and didn’t get clear running until it was too late, but she was still closing very well at that stage. Hopefully, we can work out a better trip.” – Todd Pletcher.
FANDUEL BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE
BLACKOUT TIME
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Tuesday Activity: Galloped 1 1/4m with Danny Ramsey at 6:15 a.m.
Planned Activity: Will gallop at the same time.
The Quote: “If this horse moves forward, I think we have a big chance to have our first champion 2-year-old. He is an amazingly beautiful horse and his race at Keeneland (second in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1)) was excellent. He had not run in two months going ito that. We think he could take us back to the Derby in the spring if all goes right.” – Kenny McPeek
TED NOFFEY
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Set: 6:30 a.m.
Tuesday Activity: Visited starting gate and galloped 1m under Carlos Quinonez Perez
Planned Activity: Routine gallop at time TBD.
The Quote 1: “He’s a very straightforward, very professional horse around the barn. He can be a playful colt at times, but it’s all in a good-mannered way. Basically, came in and never missed a beat. Trained very well for his debut and didn’t surprise us by running well. Then the preparation for the Hopeful was very good, I thought he was really impressive that day. Then handled two turns first time in the Breeders’ Futurity. That was another impressive win. He’s just like a lot of the Into Mischiefs. He’s just naturally talented, figures things out early on and has a big gallop to him. When he gets in a rhythm, like he’s been doing, he just keeps going and going. I couldn’t say enough good things about him.” – Todd Pletcher.
The Quote 2: On being the 4-5 favorite in the Juvenile: “He’s been perfect so far. He’s been impressive. It’s a road game, though, and (Bob) Baffert is awfully strong in these races, but we’re really happy with the horse.” – Todd Pletcher.
NETJETS BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES
TOMMY JO
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Set: 8:10 a.m.
Tuesday Activity: Visited starting gate and galloped 1m under Hector Ramos Cuti
Planned Activity: Will gallop at time TBD.
The Quote: “Very, very straightforward. Came in and all of her breezes were straightforward early on. Maybe a little more ambitious in her daily training than, say, Ted Noffey would be. She wants to please you every day. Our focus has just been on trying to get her to settle and relax. That’s why she works alone because she tends to want to overachieve in company. She’s been a sweetheart around the barn and was very good in her debut, despite stumbling. She came back and won the Spinaway, and obviously had kind of a rough trip in the Alcibiades, but, thankfully, she came out of it well.” – Todd Pletcher.
Bath time with Tommy Jo! pic.twitter.com/sVeTbrifuD
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 27, 2025
