The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Curse Strikes Again!
The infamous curse surrounding the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) has claimed yet another victim, casting a shadow over the 2025 race. Ted Noffey, the champion of the division, has joined the ranks of the sidelined, following in the footsteps of runner-up Mr. A. P. This maintains the eerie trend of Juvenile winners rarely achieving glory in the Kentucky Derby (G1). In over four decades, only two have managed this feat—a statistic that begs the question, why?
The '25 Juvenile field was notably small, but was this a sign of fate or just a statistical anomaly? With a foal crop of 17,200, the numbers were already stacked against a large field. But in the world of horse racing, fairness is a relative concept, and outrage is often the order of the day.
Among the contenders, Brant and Litmus Test have had mixed fortunes. Brant, the third-place finisher, has had a quiet post-race period, while Litmus Test, the fourth-place finisher, went on to win the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) in December. But the real story lies with the scratched colts, Civil Liberty and Blackout Time, who took a break for the rest of 2025. Both have since returned to training, with Blackout Time finishing second to Ted Noffey in a previous race.
"He's still a maiden, so we'll have him ready soon," said trainer Doug O'Neill of Civil Liberty. But the focus now shifts to Intrepido, the American Pharoah winner who struggled in the Juvenile due to a poor start. Trainer Jeff Mullins recalls, "He got restless in the gate, and that was that. It's a fine line between victory and defeat."
Intrepido, a bay ridgling with a powerful kick, is gearing up for the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) on Feb. 7. With 11 nominees, including five from the Baffert stable, the competition is fierce. This race is the first in California to offer starting berth points for the Kentucky Derby, with a total of 42 points up for grabs.
After the Lewis, the road to the Kentucky Derby continues with two more points races at Santa Anita, including the prestigious Santa Anita Derby (G1). But there's a catch—the local Derby must field at least six starters, or face a points penalty. A controversial rule, some might say, but one that aims to encourage racetracks to foster a larger pool of contenders.
Meanwhile, at Gulfstream Park, the Forward Gal Stakes (G3) honors the 1970 2-year-old filly champion, Forward Gal. With a remarkable record of seven wins in 13 starts, she was a force to be reckoned with. Despite her achievements, Forward Gal was never inducted into the Hall of Fame, leaving her legacy somewhat incomplete. Will the curse of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile strike again, or will a new champion emerge to challenge the odds? The drama unfolds as the racing world eagerly awaits the next chapter.
