Even with the hot competition, the elite showmaking, and of course, the speed at which the race will be all about, it all comes down to a fundamental tension that lies solely on the betting side of the championship: the fascinating line that divides the public’s fan favourites and betting favourites.
While the betting favourite is created through sheer analysis, which involves data like speed figures, pedigrees, and such, the fan favourite is borne out of emotion, relationships, and even fondness for the horse’s story. That said, which is which among the lineup of elite horses participating in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships?
The Breeders’ Cup Classic
As usual, the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic is always the main event of the two-day tournament. However, this year’s edition is said to be one of the most exciting ever, as many horses that have proven themselves over the year will participate, including Sovereignty and Journalism. Since this is the biggest event in the championships, this is also where the hot topic of contenders mainly convenes.
The Betting Favorite: Sovereignty
As of now, the clear betting favorite of the masses is Sovereignty. With his resume, he is practically the easiest choice for people, for the smart money bettors. Dubbed as the undisputed king of the sophomore crop, Sovereignty’s 2025 run is nothing short of a masterclass on dirt racing dominance. With his impressive victories like the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and the Travers Stakes, his status as a heavy hitter for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is more than established at this point.
With his early Breeders' Cup odds fluctuating between +162 and +200, it reflects a belief that many experts and bookmakers share, that the classic will be another win on his resume. This also shows that bettors are willing to take the short price for minimal risk, which shows their confidence in Sovereignty’s victory in the classic. The narrative is one of pure dominance, with a potential Horse of the Year award looming in the future.
The Fan Favorites: Forever Young and Sierra Leone
While Sovereignty commands the stats and the betting sheets, Sierra Leone and Forever Young possess narratives that capture the public’s fascination and love of a good story, which made them the fan favorites for the classic.
Sierra Leone is the current defending champion of the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This is due to his resilience and a wonderful comeback after a very slow start to 2025. This five-year-old colt, who was also the winner of the Eclipse award, restarted his powerful career when he won the Whitney Stakes.
Because of this, fans have started believing in him again and are hoping for him to defend his title against the top-tier horses that are participating in the classic this year, especially Sovereignty, who is supposed to be the biggest threat to his title. With odds ranging from around +500 to +600, his price reflects his proven ability and the perceived value of fans and experts alike.
Forever Young, on the other hand, is the Japanese import on the international stage. His 2025 year is impressive, which includes a win in the Saudi Arabia World Cup and a very strong performance in the Dubai World Cup.
As usual, horse racing fans love an international star with a strong performance, which strongly resembles Forever Young. Priced between +1000 to +1200 range, Forever Young represents an intriguing longshot, making him the favorite of a lot of fans who are yearning for an international victory.
The Distaff
The Breeders’ Cup Distaff for fillies and mares is more compact but still as exciting as the classic. As of now, the betting favorite is Thorpedo Anna. Thorpedo Anna has been a strong contender in the female dirt division. She also just came back from a back-to-back win that showcases her blistering speed and intensity. Her prices fluctuate between +275 to +300 and are the betting favorite in the community today.
On the other hand, the fan favorite is Cavalieri. She is the horse that captures the fan’s attention by having a steady campaign of strong performance that improves with time. Currently, many fans believe she is in her prime, which will present Thorpedo Anna with a challenge in the distaff division. Her odds usually fluctuate between +400 and +500, making her an appealing option for fans seeking a story with value.
Betting Favorite Vs. Fan Favorite
The vast number of elite horses participating in both races can be quite confusing at times, especially for those seeking value. However, when you’re looking into the community, it’s usually divided between the betting favorite and the fan favorite. The drama starts from the fan, and it seems like the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Classic will deliver once again. Whether you are backing statistical data or a great story, the intersection between both will be very interesting to see this year.
