Ted Noffey Wins Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Becomes Kentucky Derby Winter Favorite

Ted Noffey won the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar, solidifying his status as the winter favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Ridden by John Velazquez, who achieved his 22nd Breeders' Cup win, Ted Noffey completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.25, paying $3.60 for the second-shortest win payout in Juvenile history. Trainer Todd Pletcher earned his fifth Juvenile win, tying the late D. Wayne Lukas's record, while wearing a tie from Lukas's widow in tribute. The colt, owned by Spendthrift Farm, boosted his career earnings to $1,658,763, and the top five finishers, including Mr A.P. and Brant, earned qualifying points toward the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field. Additionally, other notable winners at the Breeders' Cup included Balantina in the Juvenile Fillies Turf and Super Corredora in the Juvenile Fillies, both products of Keeneland's 2024 September Yearling Sale, highlighting the success of recent yearling sales. Ted Noffey was also the second favorite in the first Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, which set an early November record handle of $184,492, reflecting strong betting interest ahead of the Derby.