The 2025 Breeders’ Cup is almost here – two action-packed days featuring the best horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. Massive purses, world-class fields, and unmatched betting opportunities make this the premier weekend in horse racing.
In this week’s episode of VSiN’s At the Track, hosts Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman break down everything bettors need to know heading into Breeders’ Cup weekend – from key jockey changes and emerging Juvenile stars to betting strategies and value plays across the card.
If you’re looking to bet the Breeders’ Cup, you can secure access to our expert picks PDF which features top selections from 3 handicappers including Somich who hit the Kentucky Derby Superfecta this year. Pre-order now for only $9.99 or get the full slate of picks included with any VSiN Pro subscription.
Major Jockey Change: Jose Ortiz Takes the Mount on Journalism
One of the biggest headlines heading into the Breeders’ Cup Classic is a key jockey switch – Jose Ortiz replacing Alberto Rispoli on Journalism.
Somich described the move as a sensible shake-up but not necessarily one that changes the horse’s win chances by itself. He said it makes sense to try something different after a string of close calls, though he’s not ready to upgrade the horse solely based on the new rider.
Halterman agreed that the change was likely overdue. He felt Ortiz could get Journalism more involved early in the race – closer to the pace like in the colt’s best performances – and noted that while previous rides weren’t disastrous, they left room for improvement.
Juvenile Contenders: The Next Generation of Kentucky Derby Hopefuls
Friday’s card always showcases racing’s future stars, and this year’s Juvenile field fits that bill.
Both hosts said the Juvenile offers a glimpse into the next Kentucky Derby class, but cautioned that history shows many two-year-old standouts fade as others develop. They highlighted a few promising names but stopped short of calling anyone a clear Derby favorite at this stag
From powerhouse barns like Todd Pletcher, Bob Baffert, and Brad Cox, to improving outsiders peaking at the right time, the Juvenile offers both talent and betting intrigue.
The Two Hardest Days to Handicap All Year
Somich called Breeders’ Cup weekend one of the toughest challenges for handicappers, given the deep, competitive fields and the mix of international runners. His advice to bettors: be selective, focus on races where you have a clear edge, and don’t feel pressured to play every event.
Halterman echoed that sentiment, adding that the difficulty is what makes the Breeders’ Cup so rewarding. With 12- to 14-horse fields and unpredictable setups, disciplined bettors who analyze pace and trip dynamics can uncover real value.
Comparing the Breeders’ Cup to the Kentucky Derby
While the Kentucky Derby remains the sport’s most famous race, both agreed that the Breeders’ Cup offers a broader, more engaging experience for bettors.
Somich paraphrased his own words from the show’s opening: the Derby may be a two-minute spectacle, but the Breeders’ Cup provides two full days of elite racing – a better event from start to finish and the ultimate test for handicappers.
Expert Picks and Where to Bet
Somich leaned toward price plays in turf races, while Halterman targeted value in lesser-known Juvenile runners. Both urged bettors to think strategically about pace scenarios and ticket construction.
For detailed selections and confidence ratings, download the official VSiN Breeders’ Cup Picks Sheet, featuring expert picks from Somich and two other proven handicappers.
👉 Pre-order now for $9.99 or get it included with any VSiN Pro subscription. Picks will be released later this week.
Final Thoughts
The Breeders’ Cup represents two of the most exciting days in horse racing – where sharp handicapping meets massive opportunity.
As Somich summarized on the show (paraphrased): weekends like this don’t come around often. If you put in the work, the rewards can be significant.
Coming this week: More Breeders’ Cup coverage back here on vsin.com. Plus two full VSiN at the Track episodes gearing up for the big event.
