A milestone 40th edition of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be staged at Santa Anita this weekend, 3rd and 4th November.
Fourteen Grade 1 races featuring some of the world's best horses provide an epic finale to the 2023 season. One of the richest events in world sport, the 2023 Breeders' Cup Championships will see $31m prize money won over these two days.
Future Stars Friday showcases two-year olds, who line up against each other in five races (as part of a ten-race Friday card). On Saturday it's the chance for older horses to test themselves against the best in nine high-quality renewals, culminating in the $6m Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday.
The 2022 Classic was a classic for the ages. Superstar Flightline said adios to racing by obliterating the whole field in a masterful once-in-a-generation display. This year's race promises to be a closer contest with no huge favourite emerging so far. Belmont Stakes victor Arcangelo , the sole Triple Crown winner entered, has just been scratched from the field.
Bob Baffert's Arabian Knight is likely to be well backed in his absence. White Abarrio, who won the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park in 2022, took his career up a notch this summer winning the G1 Whitney, and if he can replicate that form will be in with a chance. The main international challenger is the one to watch in the race. Japanese raider Ushba Tesoro has won more than $9m since switching to dirt, including a very impressive fast-finishing Dubai World Cup this year (see video below).
