Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Races for the Weekend, Early Odds and Race-by-Race Analysis

HORSE RACING

September 9, 2025

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 September 10 to September 15, 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.

The Woodbine Mile (G1)

The Rogers Woodbine Mile, a one-mile turf event, serves as the main event at Woodbine on September 13. This race offers a direct berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Woodbine’s long, sweeping turns and synthetic track often favor horses with tactical speed and a decisive turn of foot. We have seen some of the world’s best milers stamp their authority on this race. This year’s field looks competitive, with no clear standout, creating a great betting opportunity.

Possible Contenders for the Woodbine Mile

Master of None: A highly promising four-year-old gelding from trainer Chad Brown’s barn. He comes into the race off a dominant allowance win at Saratoga, earning a career-best 98 speed figure. Brown often uses the Woodbine Mile as a stepping stone, and with Irad Ortiz Jr., a two-time winner of this race, in the irons, he is a major player.
Mendacious: Trained by Christophe Clement, this five-year-old horse has consistently competed in Grade 1 company. He finished a gritty third in the Fourstardave Handicap, and his deep-closing style could be lethal if the pace gets hot. Jockey Joel Rosario, a veteran with a history of big-race success, retains the mount.
Canyon Express: The local hope from trainer Mark Casse. This Canadian-bred gelding has won two straight at Woodbine, showing a strong affinity for the course. While he faces a significant class test, his home-court advantage and strong form make him a live long shot.
Zulu Kingdom: Winner of the American Turf (G1), this horse has shown he can handle top-level competition. His late kick could be a factor.
Win for the Money: The defending champion from last year’s Woodbine Mile, his presence would add intrigue. While he has been inconsistent, his past success on this track makes him a threat.
Notable Speech: A multiple Group 1 winner, he finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last year. His European form is top-class, and if he ships in, he will be a significant threat.

The Natalma Stakes (G1)

Also running on September 13 at Woodbine, the Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes is a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. This one-mile race for two-year-old fillies provides the first major test for North American-based juvenile turf fillies. The race has produced several future champions, highlighting its importance.

Possible Contenders for the Natalma Stakes

Lingerie Lassie: An impressive maiden winner for trainer Chad Brown at Saratoga. She has demonstrated both high cruising speed and a strong finish, and has been training forwardly with two recent bullet works.
Saratoga Gal: Trained by Mark Casse, this filly is multiple-stakes placed and has already proven her ability in stakes company. Her experience and grit, coupled with jockey Patrick Husbands’s familiarity with the Woodbine turf, make her a strong contender.
Dance To The Music: A Godolphin homebred, this filly is 2-for-2 and won the Sweet Solera (G3) in England. Trained by Charlie Appleby, a master of shipping horses to win big races, she is a serious threat if she makes the trip.

The Summer Stakes (G1)

The Summer Stakes, also on September 13 at Woodbine, mirrors the Natalma Stakes but for two-year-old colts and geldings. This one-mile turf race is a qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. The winner here immediately becomes a serious prospect for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup race.

Possible Contenders for the Summer Stakes

Braveheart’s Son: A promising colt from the barn of trainer Todd Pletcher. He spectacularly broke his maiden at Saratoga and has been training well. With jockey John Velazquez, one of the most successful jockeys in Breeders’ Cup history, in the irons, he is a top contender.
Tenderfoot: A local star trained by Kevin Attard. He has won his last two starts, and his familiarity with the course gives him a significant edge over the shippers.
Wild Desert: A Godolphin homebred trained by Charlie Appleby, he is exiting a third-place finish in England’s Superlative (G2). Appleby has an excellent record at Woodbine, and his presence makes this horse a significant threat.
North Coast: Trained by Aidan O’Brien, this colt won the Tyros (G3) and will be a major player if he ships in.
Constitution River: A Futurity (G2) third-place finisher, this horse has already shown he can compete at a high level.

The Irish Champion Stakes (G1)

The Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, held at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland on September 13, is a crucial “Win and You’re In” race for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. This 10-furlong contest brings together Europe’s best older horses and promises a world-class showdown.

Possible Contenders for the Irish Champion Stakes

Starry Night: A sensational four-year-old colt for trainer Aidan O’Brien. He has been dominant this season, winning two Group 1 races with authority. Jockey Ryan Moore, a 16-time Breeders’ Cup winner, has a perfect record aboard him and makes him the horse to beat.
Ecliptic: A seasoned five-year-old gelding from trainer John Gosden. He has consistently run against the best in Europe, and his tactical speed makes him a threat to Starry Night. He comes off a solid second-place finish in a Group 1 race and looks ready for a considerable effort.
Le Vent: The French contender, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, adds intrigue. He has shown flashes of brilliance and could pull off an upset if the favorites falter.
Delacroix: The Eclipse (G1) hero and Juddmonte International (G1) runner-up, he leads the prospective field and will be a significant threat.

The Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (G1)

Also at Leopardstown on September 13, the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. This one-mile turf race for fillies and mares often produces a strong contender for the Breeders’ Cup.

Possible Contenders for the Matron Stakes

Rose of Tralee: A talented three-year-old filly for trainer Dermot Weld. She enters the race off a victory in a Group 2 contest, where she displayed a devastating turn of foot.
Golden Echo: A veteran mare trained by Jessica Harrington. She has competed at the top level for several seasons, and her consistency is a major asset.
Pace Queen: The English raider, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, has been in top form this season, and a win here would establish her as a formidable contender.

The Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1)

The Curragh Racecourse in Ireland hosts the Moyglare Stud Stakes on September 14, a “Win and You’re In” race for the John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. This seven-furlong race for two-year-old fillies is an actual test of a juvenile’s class and potential.

Possible Contenders for the Moyglare Stud Stakes

Fairy Tale Dream: From the powerful Aidan O’Brien stable, she has won two of her three starts and looks like a filly with a very bright future. Jockey Ryan Moore will ride, and their combined talent makes them a formidable force.
Mystic Melody: A filly trained by Jessica Harrington who broke her maiden impressively and then finished a good second in a Group 2 race. She shows a lot of promise.
Star of the Night: A filly who has been training very well for trainer Ger Lyons and could make her presence felt in the final stages of the race.
Composing: Trained by Aidan O’Brien, this filly has a three-race win streak, including a win in the Debutante (G2).
Venetian Sun: This filly is 4-for-4, and her wins include the Prix Morny (G1). She will be a top contender if she ships.

The Bar One Flying Five Stakes (G1)

The Curragh will also host the Bar One Flying Five Stakes on September 14, a “Win and You’re In” race for the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. This five-furlong dash is for three-year-olds and up and features some of Europe’s fastest horses.

Possible Contenders for the Flying Five Stakes

Bated Breath: The defending champion, this speedy gelding has been in excellent form this season. Trainer Ado McGuinness has him primed for a considerable effort.
Quicksilver: A three-year-old colt from the barn of trainer Charlie Appleby. He has won his last two starts with ease and looks like a rising star.
Speedy Gonzales: An experienced sprinter who has been competing at the highest level for years. He has a history of running well at The Curragh and could hit the board at a reasonable price.
Asfoora: A top sprinter from Australia, she already has a “Win and You’re In” berth for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, which she earned by winning the Nunthorpe (G1). She will be a firm favorite here.
Time For Sandals: The Commonwealth Cup (G1) conqueror, he will be a strong rival to Asfoora.

It’s Time to Get Ready for the Breeders’ Cup

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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