The Final Stretch Of Challenge Races

As the 2025 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar draws near (October 31 – November 1), horsemen, bettors, and fans are keeping a close eye on the last few “Win and You’re In” qualifiers that will seal automatic entries into their respective championship races.

The Challenge Series spans the globe and across divisions (Classic, Sprint, Mile, Turf, Juvenile, etc.). Many of the marquee qualifying races are already in the books, but the final punches will come in September and October. Below is a run-down of what’s still coming — including dates, divisions, and significance.

Key Upcoming / Final Challenge Races (September – October)

Here are some of the remaining Challenge races worth watching later in 2025:

September 27 – Goodwood Stakes (G1) – Santa Anita
– Division: Turf / International
– Notes: Late major West Coast prep for Breeders’ Cup spots.
September 27 – City of Hope Mile (G2) – Santa Anita
– Division: Mile
– Notes: Final chance for turf milers to qualify.
September 27 – Vosburgh Stakes (G3) – Aqueduct
– Division: Sprint
– Notes: Prime late-season sprint qualifier.
September 28 – Zenyatta Stakes (G2) – Santa Anita
– Division: Filly & Mare / Distaff route
– Notes: One of the last major distaff preps.
September 28 – Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) – Santa Anita
– Division: Sprint
– Notes: Traditional final sprint prep in California.
October 3 – Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (G2) – Keeneland
– Division: Juvenile / Sprint
– Notes: Late juvenile qualifier.
October 3 – Darley Alcibiades Stakes (G1) – Keeneland
– Division: Juvenile Fillies
– Notes: Final major juvenile filly challenge.
October 3 – Jessamine Stakes (G2) – Keeneland
– Division: Juvenile Fillies Turf
– Notes: Turf juvenile division final qualifier.
October 4 – American Pharoah Stakes (G1) – Santa Anita
– Division: Juvenile
– Notes: Last chance for 2-year-olds to earn automatic entry.
October 4 – Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2) – Santa Anita
– Division: Filly & Mare Turf
– Notes: Final West Coast turf prep for fillies & mares.
October 4 – Oak Leaf Stakes (G2) – Santa Anita
– Division: Juvenile Fillies
– Notes: Another juvenile filly qualifying opportunity.
October 4 – Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) – Keeneland
– Division: Filly & Mare Sprint
– Notes: Late female sprint qualifier.
October 4 – Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1) – Keeneland
– Division: Mile
– Notes: Last stepping stone for turf milers.
October 5 – Bourbon Stakes (G2) – Keeneland
– Division: Juvenile Turf
– Notes: Final juvenile turf Challenge race.

What These Final Races Mean & What’s at Stake

Last Chances to Qualify

Many horses will need to win or place in these last races to secure a guaranteed trip to Del Mar — otherwise they may rely on points, preference, or at-large entries. These late qualifiers often feature smaller but highly competitive fields as connections take calculated risks.

Divisional Battles Intensify

Sprint divisions (Vosburgh, Santa Anita Sprint Championship) will have high tension, as fast horses jockey for the last automatic slots.
In the Distaff / Filly & Mare paths, Zenyatta and Rodeo Drive represent critical final opportunities.
The Juvenile divisions (Darley Alcibiades, American Pharoah, Jessamine) will decide which youngsters get direct entry into the juvenile races.
Turf milers will watch Coolmore Turf Mile closely as a possible last stepping stone.

Travel & Logistics Become Factors

Because Breeders’ Cup is out west in 2025, horses from the East or internationally must manage the logistics of shipping, acclimation, and travel costs. For some connections, skipping a final prep and shipping early is a tactical decision.

Form & Momentum

Winning a Challenge race with just weeks before Breeders’ Cup can provide momentum, confidence, and conditioning. But it’s a fine line — you don’t want a horse peaking too early or tiring by Championship Week.

Conclusion & What to Watch

As we enter the final phase of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, each remaining “Win and You’re In” race is a pivotal moment. They represent final lifelines for horses striving for a berth in the world championships at Del Mar. The tension will be especially high in sprint, juvenile, and filly/mare divisions, where just one strong performance can make or break a Breeders’ Cup bid.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredwelch/2025/09/26/road-to-the-breeders-cup-the-final-stretch-of-challenge-races/