The 2026 Breeders' Cup Classic, the crown jewel of the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championship, is set for Saturday at approximately 6:16 p.m. ET at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, which hosts the race for the fourth time.
The race features a showdown between veterans Sovereignty and Forever Young and the 3-year-old Golden Tempo, who won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Forever Young is the 2-1 favorite, Sovereignty at 5-2, and Golden Tempo at 5-1.
SportsLine's Michelle Yu, who is on site in Lexington, has a strong track record including correct picks in the Saudi Cup, Kentucky Derby exacta, and Arkansas Derby trifecta. She shares her predictions for the Classic.
Yu is not high on Golden Tempo as a win contender at 5-1, citing his come-from-behind style and concerns about Keeneland's forward-friendly track. She includes him in exotics but not among her top four win choices.
Her top pick is a horse that "has looked in excellent spirits" this week at Keeneland, and she also highlights a longshot with "high cruising speed." Full picks are available via SportsLine.
Post positions and odds: 1 T O Passwod 30-1; 2 Sovereignty 5-2; 3 Golden Tempo 5-1; 4 The Puma 10-1; 5 Forever Young 2-1; 6 Magnitude 6-1 (scratched); 7 Knightsbridge 9-2; 8 Napoleon Solo 15-1.
