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Home / Breeders Cup / Breeders’ Cup 2025: The Ones That Got Away – Key Withdrawals from Del Mar’s Big Dance

Breeders’ Cup 2025: The Ones That Got Away – Key Withdrawals from Del Mar’s Big Dance

Breeders' Cup Races Canva

DEL MAR, Calif. – October 27, 2025 – As the 42nd Breeders’ Cup World Championships loom just days away, the pre-entry list has seen its share of heartbreak. Out of the 207 horses initially tabbed for glory across 14 Grade 1 races totaling $31 million, nine have been scratched, thinning fields and reshaping betting landscapes. These withdrawals, announced via official channels on BreedersCup.com, stem from a mix of injuries, travel woes, and training setbacks—harsh reminders that even the sport’s elite aren’t immune to the grind.

While some connections have shared details on the “why,” others remain tight-lipped, leaving fans to speculate. Here’s a rundown of the fallen contenders, race by race, with notes on their stories:

Classic (G1, $7M)

  • Locked (Trainer: Todd Pletcher)
    The multiple Grade 1 winner and recent Woodward Stakes (G2) victor was a live longshot at 12-1 odds, but an untimely illness—compounded by subpar recent workouts and gallops—derailed his swan song. Pletcher called it a tough call: “It just wasn’t coming together.” Locked, sidelined earlier in 2024 by a knee injury, has been retired to Gainesway Farm for 2026 stud duty, ending his career with over $2 million in earnings.

Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1, $1M)

  • Beautify (Trainer: Aidan O’Brien)
    This Irish invader, a Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) runner-up to stablemate Precise, looked primed for U.S. shores but bounced poorly out of her final workout, prompting O’Brien to skip the shipover. Her recent eighth in a Group 3 didn’t help the cause, leaving the field without one of Ballydoyle’s top juvenile fillies.

Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1, $1M)

  • Sassy CW (Trainer: Not specified in announcements)
    A speedball with sprint pedigree, Sassy CW was pre-entered as a potential pace-setter, but specific reasons for her scratch remain undisclosed. Connections may be eyeing a less taxing spot back home.
  • Chasing Freedom (Trainer: Brad Cox)
    This Constitution colt fired a sharp four-furlong bullet (:48 2/5) at Keeneland just days ago, but details on his withdrawal are scarce. Cox’s barn often plays the long game with juveniles, suggesting a pivot to future targets.

Juvenile Turf (G1, $1M)

  • Humidity (Trainer: Not specified; UK-based)
    Slated as a European challenger, Humidity won’t cross the pond after all, per reports—likely a logistical or conditioning call amid the transatlantic haul’s risks. The colt’s absence tilts the race further toward U.S. and Irish stars.

Turf Sprint (G1, $1M)

  • Nobals (Trainer: Larry Rivelli)
    The 2023 Turf Sprint hero and a Gulfstream comeback winner earlier this year was geared for a title defense, but his scratch lacks public explanation—echoing a fever-plagued Hong Kong flop last December that sidelined him for months. Rivelli’s speed demon may regroup for winter carnivals.

Filly & Mare Turf (G1, $2M)

  • Gimme a Nother (Trainer: Graham Motion)
    The South African Group 1 star dominated stateside in the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) at Del Mar in September, but a nagging splint bone injury flared post-race, forcing Motion to pull the plug despite her affinity for the venue. At 1 3/8 miles, this was her ideal test—now, recovery takes priority.

Mile (G1, $2M)

  • Almendares (Trainer: Phil D’Amato)
    A consistent California turfster with Wickerr Stakes and Del Mar Mile placings under his belt, Almendares was a sneaky value play. Withdrawal details are under wraps, but D’Amato’s deep bench softens the blow for his Mile hopes.

Juvenile (G1, $2M)

  • Desert Gate (Trainer: Bob Baffert)
    Baffert’s Best Pal Stakes (G3) winner and Del Mar Futurity runner-up exploded onto the Derby trail with raw talent, but an ill-timed hock infection demanded antibiotics and rest, scuttling his BC bid. The connections expect a full recovery, with eyes on 2026 classics.

These scratches pare the prospective fields—now down to around 190 overall—with the Classic shrinking to 10 possibles and the Juvenile to eight. Entries close Tuesday, so more tweaks could come, but the core stars like Journalism, Fierceness, and Precise remain locked in. For bettors, it’s a reshuffle ripe with opportunity; for fans, a poignant nod to racing’s unpredictability. Tune in October 31- November 1 on NBC and Peacock for the drama under Del Mar’s lights.

About the Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup unites global Thoroughbred talent for two days of elite racing. The 2025 edition at Del Mar promises fireworks, with live coverage reaching millions worldwide.