Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Races for the Weekend, Early Odds and Race-by-Race Analysis
A Global Road to Del Mar
The path to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a worldwide journey, a series of elite races where the best Thoroughbreds on the planet earn their golden tickets to the year-end festival. This “Win and You’re In” program, known as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, elevates stakes racing to an international crescendo, giving fans and bettors a chance to see future champions emerge.
As the calendar turns toward October, the competition intensifies, with horses needing to prove their mettle and secure their spot at Del Mar. This weekend, from October 3rd to October 5th, the series offers a tantalizing schedule of high-stakes contests across multiple continents.
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series provides an unparalleled opportunity to assess the form of top-tier horses from different racing jurisdictions. A victory in a Challenge race waives entry fees. It guarantees a spot in the corresponding Breeders’ Cup race, a significant advantage considering the $34 million in purses and awards at stake.
With the 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar rapidly approaching, every race becomes a crucial test. Savvy horseplayers know that analyzing the results and form from these races is the key to finding value in the Breeders’ Cup odds. When you start your research, you will discover that a deep dive into these races is essential for successful Breeders’ Cup betting. The global nature of the Challenge Series means you get a diverse pool of contenders, a situation that often leads to exciting and unpredictable outcomes on the big day.
We have a robust schedule this weekend, giving you plenty of opportunities to find a potential winner and bet on the Breeders’ Cup.
Championship Bids Galore: The Mega “Win and You’re In” Weekend
The road to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships reaches a dramatic crescendo this weekend, October 3-5, with an unprecedented lineup of “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series races spanning three days and two continents. A total of 21 automatic berths to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar are on the line across Keeneland, Santa Anita Park, Aqueduct, and ParisLongchamp.
This three-day betting bonanza features eight qualifiers at Keeneland’s signature “Fall Stars Weekend” and a six-pack of prestigious Group 1 races on the Arc de Triomphe card in France, setting the stage for one of the most consequential weekends in international Thoroughbred racing.
Here is the complete schedule of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races for October 3-5, 2025.
Friday, October 3: Keeneland and Aqueduct Kick Off the Action
The weekend begins with a focus on juvenile talent and speedsters, with all five qualifiers in the U.S.
| Track | Race (Grade) | Distance | Breeders’ Cup Division |
| Keeneland | Darley Alcibiades Stakes (G1) | 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) | NetJets Juvenile Fillies |
| Keeneland | Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (G2) | 6 Furlongs (Dirt) | Cygames Sprint |
| Keeneland | Jessamine Stakes (G2) | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | John Deere Juvenile Fillies Turf |
| Aqueduct | The Pilgrim Stakes (G2) | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf |
| Aqueduct | The Futurity Stakes (G3) | 6 Furlongs (Turf) | Juvenile Turf Sprint |
Saturday, October 4: Juvenile Showdowns and Grade 1 Action
Saturday presents a trio of high-stakes Juvenile qualifiers at three different tracks—the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (Keeneland), the American Pharoah Stakes (Santa Anita), and the Champagne Stakes (Aqueduct)—all offering a coveted spot in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
| Track | Race (Grade) | Distance | Breeders’ Cup Division |
| Keeneland | Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1) | 1 Mile (Turf) | Cup Mile |
| Keeneland | Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) | 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) | Juvenile |
| Keeneland | Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) | 6 Furlongs (Dirt) | Filly & Mare Sprint |
| Santa Anita | American Pharoah Stakes (G1) | 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) | Juvenile |
| Santa Anita | Oak Leaf Stakes (G2) | 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) | Juvenile Fillies |
| Santa Anita | Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2) | 1 1/4 Miles (Turf) | Filly & Mare Turf |
| Aqueduct | The Champagne Stakes (G1) | 1 Mile (Dirt) | Juvenile |
| Aqueduct | The Miss Grillo Stakes (G2) | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | Juvenile Fillies Turf |
Sunday, October 5: Global Championships in Kentucky and France
Sunday features the weekend’s marquee international event at ParisLongchamp, supplemented by major Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Juvenile Turf trials at Keeneland.
| Track | Race (Grade) | Distance | Breeders’ Cup Division |
| Keeneland | Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1) | 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt) | Distaff |
| Keeneland | Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2) | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | Juvenile Turf |
| ParisLongchamp | Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) | 1 1/2 Miles (Turf) | Turf |
| ParisLongchamp | Prix de l’Opéra Longines (G1) | 1 1/4 Miles (Turf) | Filly & Mare Turf |
| ParisLongchamp | Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (G1) | 1 Mile (Turf) | John Deere Juvenile Fillies Turf |
| ParisLongchamp | Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (G1) | 1 Mile (Turf) | Juvenile Turf |
| ParisLongchamp | Qatar Prix de la Forêt (G1) | 7 Furlongs (Turf) | Mile |
| ParisLongchamp | Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (G1) | 5 Furlongs (Turf) | Turf Sprint |
Winners of these Challenge Series races receive an automatic, fee-paid entry into the corresponding Breeders’ Cup race, as well as a travel allowance for horses based outside of California.
It’s Time to Get Ready for the Championship Series
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races this weekend offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of the sport’s biggest event. From the competitive fields at Woodbine to the world-class talent at Leopardstown and The Curragh, these races are not just preps; they are proving grounds.
Winners will punch their tickets to the Breeders’ Cup, but their performances will also give us valuable insight into their potential at Del Mar. This is the moment when champions are forged and future stars announce themselves on the international stage.
Let’s get our hands dirty, analyze the contenders, and get ready for a weekend of elite horse racing. Remember, with the correct information, you can find incredible value and turn this weekend’s races into winning opportunities. Don’t just watch the action—become a part of it. Sign up today at BUSR racebook and start building your bankroll for the Breeders’ Cup with the best rebates, promos, and world-class customer service.
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