Breeders’ Cup contenders prepare for championships at Keeneland

As the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships approach at Keeneland, top contenders are completing key workouts and preparations. In the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Magnitude completed a five-furlong work in 1:01.2, with trainer Steve Asmussen noting the horse has settled in well. The Puma also clocked five furlongs in 1:00.4.

In the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Chad Brown’s Fully Subscribed and Brad Cox’s Immersive completed significant morning breezes. Meanwhile, Hymn delivered a standout performance in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, recording a bullet half-mile in 46.6 seconds, the fastest of 63 works at that distance.

The event features significant international participation, with 79 foreign contenders pre-entered. Notable international runners include Japan’s Forever Young, who is seeking a repeat victory in the $7 million Longines Classic, and Europe’s leading three-year-old filly, Diamond Necklace, who is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.