Del Mar's Friday Thrills: Who Do the Pros Really Fancy at the Breeders' Cup?

Ah, Breeders' Cup Friday. There's just something in the air, isn't there? A palpable buzz, you could say, as the racing world's gaze zeroes in on Del Mar for what promises to be an utterly electric October 31st, 2025. And, honestly, who among us hasn't yearned for a little peek behind the curtain, a glimpse into the minds of those seasoned handicappers, the ones who truly live and breathe this sport?

Well, for once, we've got just that. Our panel of sharpest minds—the likes of Bob Ike, Jonathan Horowitz, Eddie Olczyk, and Jeff Siegel—they've all laid their cards on the table, offering up their best bets for a day packed with, shall we say, potential fortunes. The consensus, naturally, becomes the focal point, the horse that, in truth, garners the most nods from this formidable group. It’s a fascinating dance of insight and instinct, truly.

Take the Juvenile Turf Sprint, for example. A scramble, surely, but a telling one. Bob Ike, a name synonymous with savvy selections, leaned towards Big Horse A. Jonathan Horowitz, never one to shy from a bold choice, pointed to Speedy Colt B. But it was Big Horse A that truly captured the collective imagination, tallying a robust three votes. So, a solid front-runner there, it seems, at least in the eyes of the experts.

Then, moving on, the Juvenile Fillies Turf presented its own delightful conundrum. Green Pastures caught Bob Ike's eye—a poetic choice, if you ask me. Jonathan Horowitz, however, saw the potential in Blossom Trail, a sentiment echoed by at least one other expert, propelling Blossom Trail into the consensus spot. It’s these subtle shifts, these agreements and disagreements among the pros, that make the whole exercise so endlessly fascinating, isn't it? Each race, you see, carries its own narrative, its own set of whispered predictions and hopeful wagers.

And, speaking of narratives, the rest of the Friday card unfolds with similar intrigue. From the demanding dirt of the Juvenile Fillies to the stamina test of the Juvenile Turf, each contest drew its share of spirited debate and eventual agreement. The experts, in their wisdom, coalesce around certain contenders, not because they’re infallible, but because their collective experience often highlights the most logical—or perhaps, the most overlooked—paths to victory.

But, as anyone who’s spent even a minute at the track knows, racing is a dance of variables. The ground, the gate, a sudden burst of energy—anything can happen. These picks, whilst informed by years of experience and sharp insight, are merely a guide, a starting point for your own considerations. And that, in a way, is the true magic of it all, the glorious, unpredictable theatre of the Breeders' Cup. So, pour over the selections, weigh your options, and enjoy the show!