Japan: The Grade 1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) takes place Sunday, concluding the nation’s Classics season. Shohei, who finished third in the Japanese Derby, is among the contenders, alongside colts who qualified via trial races including Yamanin Bouclier, Red Bande, Eri King, and others. Top earners also fill out an oversubscribed field.
England: The Group 1 William Hill Futurity Trophy at Doncaster has several promising 2-year-olds from Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Ballydoyle stable, including Benvenuto Cellini, Hawk Mountain, and Action. Benvenuto Cellini is coming off a strong win at Leopardstown.
Australia: The Cox Plate features last year’s winner, Via Sistina, but the mare hasn’t shown her previous dominance. Other contenders include Antino and international star Romantic Warrior (not returning this year), with historic multiple winners like Winx, So You Think, and Phar Lap.
North America: Upcoming graded stakes at Keeneland, Churchill Downs, and Santa Anita are featured, with races for both 2- and 3-year-olds showcasing emerging talent before the Breeders’ Cup. Additional coverage mentions state-bred events at Aqueduct, Indiana, and Ohio focusing on local Thoroughbreds.
Note: The Breeders’ Cup final entries, post positions, and morning-line odds are set to be announced Monday.
