Superstar mare Via Sistina claimed her 11th Group 1 title in a thrilling Cox Plate, while momentum builds for the Breeders’ Cup and elite contests around the globe. Aidan O’Brien further solidified his place atop world trainer rankings and top-level action is set for Japan’s prestigious Tenno Sho (Autumn) this weekend. In the United States, anticipation grows for the Breeders’ Cup Classic and fall meet highlights as jockeys and trainers ready their charges for year-end championships.
Cox Plate: Via Sistina Continues Group 1 Dominance
Via Sistina dazzled the racing world with a hard-fought victory in the Cox Plate, marking her 11th Group 1 triumph. The principal contenders from the race are slated for a rematch in the G1 Champions Stakes at Flemington on November 8. Connections expressed relief and elation over the mare’s performance, underscoring her status as a true champion. “Best horse shone through, and she deserves all she gets,” commented her rider after the narrow win.
Aidan O’Brien: European Stakes Sweep & Global Rankings
Aidan O’Brien remains atop the world trainer rankings after sweeping three Group 1 races for two-year-olds over the weekend in Europe. His colt Hawk Mountain led a stable 1-2-3 finish in the William Hill Futurity at Doncaster, now sitting as a key early favorite for the 2026 Derby. Further successes followed at Saint-Cloud, with Puerto Rico capturing the Criterium International and Pierre Bonnard landing the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, both signaling strong Classic potential for next year. O’Brien’s tally of 25 Group 1 wins this year leaves him three short of his own remarkable season record, reaffirming his stable’s dominance.
Tenno Sho (Autumn): Japan’s Prestigious Showdown Looms
Preparations intensify for the 2025 Tenno Sho (Autumn), considered one of Japan’s most coveted tests. The Tokyo race on November 2 will feature a select field of 15, including seven previous Grade 1 winners, with younger stars challenging the established elite over the famed 2,000-meter turf course. Jockey Christophe Lemaire leads recent form with five wins in seven runnings, while strategic gate draws and course history play pivotal roles in forecasting outcomes. The day’s top pick tends to dominate, reflecting strong confidence among Japanese racing analysts.
United States: Breeders’ Cup Countdown and Fall Meet Highlights
The United States racing circuit turns its attention toward the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic, with Sovereignty drawing post 6 and installer as the early 6-5 favorite. At Keeneland, Hit Show captured the G3 Fayette for a second consecutive year, demonstrating durability and class at the end of the fall meet. Across Parx Racing, Finger Lakes, Mahoning Valley, and other venues, spot plays and expert picks are in demand as trainers and handicappers sort through contenders for late-season stakes.
Diverse Headlines & Noteworthy Performances
- Jacquelyn Dickey and Bandon clinched the freestyle title in the 2025 Thoroughbred divisions, bringing horsemanship to the forefront this week.
- Internationally, Wathnan Racing continued its ascent in the owner rankings, lifted by consistent graded stakes performances.
- Jockey Christophe Soumillon drew praise for dual Group 1 victories as a stand-in for Ryan Moore, further shaping the season’s leading storylines.
