Breeders' Cup Classic contenders prepare for Keeneland championship

Preparations are underway for the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course. The marquee event, the $7 million Longines Classic, features a highly anticipated field including expected contenders such as Japan’s Forever Young, Sovereignty, and Golden Tempo.

Golden Tempo, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, recently completed a successful half-mile work at Keeneland under jockey Jose Ortiz. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, the three-year-old colt is continuing his preparations alongside stablemate So Sandy.

Analysis of historical trends for the Breeders' Cup Classic suggests that winners often favor lower odds. Over the last 15 years, 11 of the 15 winners were at odds of 4.6-1 or less, with only two longshot winners returning $20 or more during that period.