The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Curse Strikes Again!
The infamous curse surrounding the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) has claimed yet another victim, casting a long shadow over the 2025 race. Ted Noffey, the champion of the division and winner of the race, has joined the ranks of those sidelined, alongside the runner-up, Mr. A. P. This maintains a peculiar trend: in 42 years, only two Juvenile winners have gone on to triumph in the Kentucky Derby (G1). A startling statistic that begs the question, why?
The '25 Juvenile field was notably sparse, with just six starters due to veterinary scratches. While the smaller foal crop of 17,200 might explain the reduced field, it's hard to ignore the eerie coincidence. But is it just bad luck, or is there something more sinister at play?
Among the remaining contenders, Brant and Litmus Test have had mixed fortunes. Brant, third in the Juvenile, has had a light workout schedule, while Litmus Test, fourth in the Breeders' Cup, went on to win the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) but faced a weather-induced delay for his next race.
Civil Liberty and Blackout Time, the two colts scratched from the Juvenile, took a break for the remainder of 2025. They've since resumed training, with Blackout Time finishing second to Ted Noffey in a previous race. But here's where it gets controversial—Civil Liberty, still a maiden, was third in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). Is this a sign of potential or a red flag?
Trainer Doug O'Neill remains optimistic about Civil Liberty's prospects. But what does the future hold for these young horses?
The story of Intrepido, fifth in the Juvenile, is one of missed opportunities. A poor start cost him dearly, as trainer Jeff Mullins recounts. But this bayridgling has shown promise, winning the American Pharoah with a powerful stretch. Will he regain his edge in the upcoming Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3)?
The Lewis Stakes is a crucial race, offering starting berth points for the Kentucky Derby. With 42 points on the line, the competition is fierce. But the road to the Derby doesn't end there.
The Santa Anita Derby (G1) is the final 'championship' event, but it comes with a catch. A minimum field size is required to avoid a points reduction, a mandate that has sparked debate. Is this a fair requirement, or does it put unnecessary pressure on racetracks?
In other news, Gulfstream Park pays tribute to Forward Gal, the 1970 2-year-old filly champion. Her remarkable record of seven wins in 13 starts is a testament to her talent. But why has she been overlooked for the Hall of Fame? Is it time to reevaluate the criteria for induction?
The world of horse racing is filled with triumphs, tragedies, and tantalizing controversies. As we eagerly await the upcoming races, these questions linger, inviting passionate discussions among fans and experts alike.
