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15h ago

Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar Resets After Sovereignty Scratch

Sovereignty's fever scratch reshaped the nine-horse field, elevating Fierceness to the morning-line favorite.

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DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: A general view of the paddock on day one of the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar Race Track on October 31, 2025 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 31: Horses break from the gate during the Pacific Shore race during the first day of the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar Race Track on October 31, 2025 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Fierceness is 5-2 on the morning line from the rail for the $7 million Classic, scheduled for 6:25 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
  • Sierra Leone returns as last year's Classic winner seeking a rare repeat at Del Mar, with Forever Young and Mindframe among the chief threats.
  • Contrary Thinking is expected to ensure a strong pace as a stablemate to closer Sierra Leone, a tactic that drew a public objection from owner Mike Repole.
  • The revised Classic field stands at nine after Sovereignty's withdrawal and includes Journalism, Baeza, Antiquarian and Nevada Beach.
  • Friday's program saw undefeated Ted Noffey take the Juvenile, while Aidan O'Brien set a record with his 21st Breeders' Cup victory; animal-welfare activists planned a protest outside the track, per regulators.