Breeders' Cup Betting Preview

What is the Breeders’ Cup?

The Breeders’ Cup takes place this weekend, although not everyone is familiar with what is one of the biggest horse racing events across the world. The Cup is an annual series of Group One races held each October in America and it attracts some of the best horses from across the world.

Legendary trainer Darrell Wayne Lukas – who sadly passed away in June 2025 – had the most Breeders’ Cup wins to his name with 20, however, he was surpassed last year by Aidan O’Brien and Bob Baffert, who now have 21Breeders’ Cup wins.

One of the more unique features of the Cup, is that races are held across both turf and dirt on the same card, so there really is something for everyone!

Who Are the Breeders’ Cup 2026 Favourites?

Globetrotting superstar Notable Speech heads the British and Irish contingent this year, with the Godolphin runner a strong favourite to land the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace has lost her last two starts – both of which came in France – but the four time Group One winner has a live chance in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Bay City Roller, Benvenuto Cellini, and Minnie Hauk will also run in a race stacked with European interest.

Blue Bolt has won six races from six starts this year in the Juddmonte silks and she will look to cap off a perfect season with a win in the Filly and Mare Turf and could run against Irish 1000 Guineas winner Precise.

The Turf Sprint has not been a happy hunting ground for Uk and Irish trainers, but Donnacha O’Brien saddles the second favourite in Comanche Brave. Wesley Ward’s runner Bacio is the main rival and he will be familiar to UK fans after winning the Nunthorpe Stakes this summer.

Who Won the Breeders’ Cup Races Last Year?

The winners of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup races are listed below.

RACE                                                 HORSE

Juvenile Turf Sprint                       Cy Fair (USA)

Juvenile Fillies  Super                  Corredora (USA)

Juvenile Fillies Turf                        Balantina (IRE)

Juvenile                                             Ted Noffey (USA)

Juvenile Turf                                    Gstaad (GB)

Filly & Mare Sprint                         Splendora (USA)

Turf Sprint                                        Shisospicy (USA)

Sprint                                                 Bentornato (USA)

Distaff                                               Scylla (USA)

Turf                                                     Ethical Diamond (IRE)

Classic                                              Forever Young (JPN)

Mile                                                    Notable Speech (GB)

Dirt Mile                                            Nysos (USA)

Filly & Mare Turf                             Gezora (FR)

Where is the 2026 Breeders’ Cup?

After the 2025 edition took place at Del Mar in California, the 2026 Breeders’ Cup heads to Kentucky and the Keeneland Racecourse. It is the third time the track will have hosted the prestigious event, having done so in 2015 and 2020.

When is the 2026 Breeders’ Cup?

The 2026 Breeders’ Cup will take place on Friday 30^th October and Saturday 31^st October. Due to the time difference, coverage begins at 18:30 on Friday evening.

Where Can I Watch the Breeders’ Cup?

The Breeders’ Cup is back on ITV racing with ITV 4 showing six races from Friday and five races from the Saturday. For full coverage of all the races, UK fans will have to tune into Sky Sports Racing.