A rivalry forged in pressure cookers and settled by photo finishes: this is the landscape that Sovereignty and Journalism have carved across the American racing calendar. Two brilliant racehorses, each with a legion of supporters and a track record littered with milestones, have escalated every meeting into must-watch theater.
Sovereignty bested the more-fancied Journalism twice during the 2025 American Triple Crown, picking up the upset win at the Kentucky Derby before cementing his status as the best three-year-old on the planet with a repeat triumph at the Belmont Stakes. Journalism did have a triumph of his own, winning the Preakness, although it has to be said that Sovereignty opted to sit that race out, and the heavy favourite managed to make hard work of the triumph.
Now, however, as August ticks away and the fall begins to loom, there is only one race on horse racing betting sites’ collective minds. The Breeders’ Cup Classic. And those who like to bet on horses at Bovada may well have noticed that the two rivals are currently earmarked as the leading contenders for glory once more. With his two triumphs thus far, Sovereignty is the short priced +200 favorite, with his great rival some way behind at +700. If you’re going to bet on horses, you’ve likely got one of these two high on your list.
But the Classic is far from a two-horse race. Plenty of other contenders will head to Del Mar in the hopes of winning America’s most lucrative race as well. But which of them are most likely to challenge the two rivals on the grandest stage? Let’s take a look.
Sierra Leone
Every Breeders’ Cup Classic needs a late bomber, and reigning champion Sierra Leone fits that profile with clinical precision. He is not just a closer—he is the best version of one: a stalker who can adapt to any pace, a veteran whose resume gleams with Grade 1 wins, and a runner who thrives on big-race adrenaline.
His numbers speak convincingly. The Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Saratoga saw Sierra Leone gobble ground with a detonating late kick, wearing down the likes of Fierceness and Forever Young. In 2025, it’s taken him some time to round into form, but his dominating victory last out in the Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga showed his ability.
Statistically, he’s hit the board in every start of his career (12), and his late sectionals are consistently the fastest in the division. One question lingers: if the Breeders’ Cup Classic devolves into a pace meltdown, can anyone withstand his storm? Logic and evidence say Sierra Leone is the hunter every front-runner fears.
Forever Young
If unpredictability unsettles rivals, Forever Young embodies chaos theory. Japan’s rising force has rewritten geography’s role in racing, conquering three continents, and etching his name into U.S. dirt folklore. His grit on American soil, combined with high cruising speed and the ability to accelerate through traffic, makes him an international anomaly with local clout.
The metrics are remarkable. As a 3-year-old, he captured victories in both the Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2), while also earning third-place finishes in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Now racing as a 4-year-old, he has made two starts so far this season, winning the Saudi Cup (G1) and finishing third in the Dubai World Cup (G1).
Versatility, toughness, and a proven love of the Classic distance: Forever Young is an algorithm-breaker, capable of exploiting tactical errors and punishing fading leaders. Ignore the globe-trotter at your peril.
Nysos
From California comes Nysos, a dazzling and divisive talent. He is both a statistician’s dream and a case study in raw velocity. Winning 5 of 6 career starts, Nysos missed the Triple Crown last year as a 3-year-old due to injury. He returned this year with authority, winning both the Triple Bend Stakes (G3) and San Diego Handicap (G2) in dominating fashion.
What makes Nysos irresistible as a Classic candidate? Efficiency and pace control. It also helps to have Bob Baffert in his corner. He’s no longer just a miler; his seamless transition to 10 furlongs and dominant recent splits prove he can handle genuine Classic tests.
Projections give him a puncher’s chance—especially if he gets things his own way on the front end. Against the deep closers, can he set slow enough fractions and still sprint for home? That’s the tactical gamble.
Fierceness
Redemption stories add spice to the Classic, and Fierceness is 2025’s most compelling one. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ began the year under a cloud, but has emerged from stormy spring form to ignite the summer with defiance. After losing as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby, he rattled off wins in the Jim Dandy (G2) and Travers (G1) in thrilling fashion.
Fierceness is the wildcard with speed: his break from the gate is blinding, and when he grabs the lead, the clock obliges or else. With world-class connections and a tactical portfolio that punishes indecision, he shapes races even when he doesn’t win.
If allowed to run loose on the engine, he can string the field out and expose any weakness in Sovereignty and Journalism’s foundations. Underestimate his form resurgence at your own risk.
