In the fading light at Del Mar, as the cheers echoed through the stands, Ted Noffey confirmed his place among America’s most promising two-year-olds. The Spendthrift Farm colt capped off an unbeaten juvenile season in style, claiming the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with the poise of a seasoned campaigner — and in doing so, gave trainer Todd Pletcher yet another reason to believe he has a future classic contender in his care.
Sent off the heavy 4-5 favorite, Ted Noffey and jockey John Velazquez shadowed early leader Brant before launching their move turning for home. The chestnut colt momentarily hesitated — distracted by shadows on the track — but quickly refocused to power away and win by a length over the fast-finishing Mr. A.P.
“I thought he ran terrific,” said Pletcher, visibly emotional in the winner’s circle. “He did everything right. The only moment of concern came inside the eighth pole when he saw the shadow of the building and sort of put on the brakes. But once he crossed over, he kicked again. It showed maturity for such a young horse.”
A Win with Sentiment
For Pletcher, the victory carried deeper meaning. The Hall of Famer wore a tie once belonging to his late mentor D. Wayne Lukas, who passed away earlier this year. “It just felt right,” he said softly. “Wayne was the all-time winningest Breeders’ Cup trainer. He built so much of what this event means today.”
It was a poignant tribute, fitting for a day when Pletcher’s colt displayed both class and composure — qualities Lukas himself would have admired.
The Form of a Champion
Ted Noffey’s 2025 campaign has been immaculate: debut maiden win, Hopeful Stakes (G1) victory at Saratoga, Breeders’ Futurity (G1) success at Keeneland, and now the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile crown. With this win, he’s all but assured the Eclipse Award as America’s champion two-year-old male.
“He’s got that presence,” Pletcher said. “He’s handled every challenge we’ve thrown at him, and he looks like a horse who’ll relish more distance.”
The colt now heads to Palm Beach Downs for a brief rest before his Triple Crown prep campaign begins — possibly targeting the Florida Derby via a local prep.
The Challengers Who Fought Hard
Runner-up Mr. A.P., trained by Vladimir Cerin for Holly and David Wilson, earned admirers of his own after finishing a game second at 20-1. “He came back great,” said Cerin. “He’ll get some time off now and come back stronger for 2026.”
Bob Baffert’s pair, Brant and Litmus Test, ran with heart but couldn’t reel in the winner. “Johnny and Ted Noffey just never gave us a breather,” Baffert said. “Brant showed guts, and Litmus Test ran her race. They’ll both move forward from this.”
Classic Dreams Await
With the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victory in the books, Ted Noffey now steps into a new spotlight — one that leads toward the Kentucky Derby trail. Pletcher has been here before, but even for a trainer of his stature, the excitement of an unbeaten colt on the cusp of greatness never fades.
“He’s got everything you want,” Pletcher said. “If he stays healthy, we’ll be dreaming big this spring.”
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