As we approach the second half of the 2025 horse racing season, there’s much excitement surrounding the key contenders aiming for top honours in some of the most prestigious flat races globally. A flurry of performances on both sides of the Atlantic has flushed out contenders for the Breeders Cup among other major landmark race meetings. So irrespective of their connection to jumping at Stratford, racing at this level is of interest to any fan of the sport.
As the 2025 flat season races toward its second half, thrilling performances have already set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable year. With some of the sport’s biggest competitions still ahead, a handful of standout horses are capturing the spotlight, and their stories are too compelling to miss.
Keep your eyes on these five top contenders: Sovereignty, Journalism, Baeza, Mindframe, and Sierra Leone. In this article, we’ll explore their impressive track records, upcoming race prospects, and the reasons they’re poised to continue shaping the global horse racing landscape throughout 2025.
Sovereignty: a dominant force in 2025
Key Wins: Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes
Sovereignty has already established itself as a formidable force in 2025, with two of the most prestigious wins in the racing world: the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby win was especially impressive, as Sovereignty made a thrilling late surge on a muddy track, showcasing not only speed but also stamina and versatility.
By skipping the Preakness Stakes, Sovereignty’s team strategically focused on the Belmont, a move that paid off with a remarkable win.
Ranked as the leading contender for “Horse of the Year,” Sovereignty is widely regarded as a top pick for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where his form could prove unbeatable. His next probable start will be at the Travers Stakes, where he’ll face some of the top competitors in the sport.
For fans, keeping up with Sovereignty’s performance is crucial.
Journalism: a resilient rival to Sovereignty
Key Wins: Preakness Stakes, Haskell Stakes
While Sovereignty stole the spotlight in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, Journalism wasn’t far behind, securing impressive second-place finishes in both races.
However, his victory in the Preakness Stakes and later in the Haskell Stakes proved his worth as a resilient competitor. His ability to bounce back and secure victories in other major races speaks to his potential and determination.
Journalism’s consistency throughout the Triple Crown season makes him another serious contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His next likely start is at the Travers Stakes, where he will face off against Sovereignty once again, in what promises to be a thrilling battle.
To stay up-to-date on Journalism’s performance and track his progress and that of the competition leading into major races, following daily horse racing picks is strongly advised. This information can provide valuable insights, helping you stay informed on competitor strategies and updates related to upcoming events.
Baeza: a rising star with strong potential
Key Performances: 3rd in Kentucky Derby, 3rd in Belmont Stakes
Baeza’s impressive third-place finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes demonstrated his incredible promise and ability to perform under pressure. While he hasn’t yet claimed victory in a major race, his performances suggest that he’s only just beginning to show his true potential.
His consistent finishes in the top tier of races place him among the leading contenders for future wins.
Currently ranked among the top 10 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic contenders, Baeza is an exciting horse to watch in 2025. With his eyes set on major races like the Travers Stakes, he should surprise no-one when he loses his maiden tag in a major race in the near future.
Mindframe: the undefeated contender
Key Performances: Undefeated in 2025, including the Stephen Foster Stakes win
Mindframe has been nothing short of spectacular in 2025, maintaining an undefeated record with wins in races like the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs. His remarkable ability to win across different tracks and conditions has earned him a solid reputation as one of the most exciting horses in training today. As a potential candidate for Horse of the Year, Mindframe’s future in racing is highly anticipated.
With a strong victory in the Stephen Foster Stakes, Mindframe is now looking at bigger challenges, including the Jockey Club Gold Cup. This race will be an important test for him as he faces some of the biggest names in the sport.
Sierra Leone: the defending Classic champion
Key Performances: 1st in the Whitney Stakes, 2nd in Stephen Foster Stakes
Sierra Leone has proven itself a formidable competitor, with a standout victory in the Whitney Stakes and strong performances in other major races, including a second-place finish in the Stephen Foster Stakes.
As the defending Classic champion, he remains one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. However, his current winless streak at Saratoga, including a disappointing performance in the New Orleans Classic, has raised some questions about his form.
Sierra Leone’s prospects for the rest of 2025 depend on his performance at Saratoga, particularly in the Whitney Stakes, where a strong result could bolster his chances of securing another Horse of the Year title.
He will need to prove himself on this difficult track if he is to stay at the top of his game.
