Forever Young has moved to the top of the latest Breeders’ Cup Classic rankings after his victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park.
The defending Classic winner received 24 first place votes in the latest poll, moving ahead of Sovereignty, who received 12. Knightsbridge is third, followed by Magnitude and Golden Tempo.
The change comes after Forever Young won the Jockey Club Gold Cup on September 18 at Belmont Park. That performance strengthened his position for the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31.
Latest Breeders’ Cup Classic picture
The current top five is Forever Young, Sovereignty, Knightsbridge, Magnitude and Golden Tempo. Nitrogen ranks sixth ahead of her September 25 start in the Beldame at Belmont Park. The Puma, Napoleon Solo, Renegade and Baeza complete the top ten.
Forever Young is scheduled to head directly to Keeneland for his Classic title defense. Sovereignty is also expected for the Classic after winning the Whitney at Saratoga, while Pacific Classic winner Knightsbridge remains under consideration for either the Classic or Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
Belmont result reshapes the race
Forever Young entered the Jockey Club Gold Cup with a major international résumé and left Belmont with another important American Grade 1 victory. His move to the top of the rankings reflects how strongly that performance changed the current championship picture.
OTB Bet covered Forever Young’s Jockey Club Gold Cup victory and the recently announced Breeders’ Cup broadcast schedule and post times. The next major step is the final round of preps before the championships at Keeneland.
Source: America’s Best Racing, Breeders’ Cup Classic rankings published September 23, 2026.
