The Breeders’ Cup Classic is one of the most prestigious races in the Cup, featuring top-class horses worldwide. As we approach the 2024 edition of this celebrated event, the anticipation builds around which thoroughbreds will dominate the track.
This year’s competition is set to be fierce, with elite contenders lining up to etch their names in the annals of racing history. You should watch seven standout horses as they head toward the Breeders’ Cup 2024.
Fierceness
If you’re up to date in FanDuel betting news for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic, you know that one horse is currently dominating the rankings. Fierceness, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion, is a potential contender for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar this November. The 3-year-old colt has shown impressive form this year, alternating between strong performances and less impressive outings. After a disappointing third in the Holy Bull Stakes, Fierceness rebounded with a dominant win in the Curlin Florida Derby. However, he struggled in the Kentucky Derby, fading to 15th.
Given time off, Fierceness returned to form with a victory in the Jim Dandy Stakes. He followed that up with a narrow win over Thorpedo Anna in the Travers Stakes. Fierceness, a homebred for Repole Stable, is a talented colt with a bright future. Todd Pletcher’s trainer believes he can be a competitive force in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
City of Troy
City of Troy, a colt by Justify, began his racing career in 2023 with three impressive victories. After winning the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, he was crowned the champion juvenile. However, his first start of 2024 was a disappointment, as he finished ninth in the Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes.
But City of Troy quickly bounced back with a dominant win in the Betfred Derby at Epsom Racecourse. The victory gave trainer Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 10th Derby win and jockey Ryan Moore a fourth. City of Troy added another top-level stakes success in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park.
His victory in the Juddmonte International allowed City of Troy to race in the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Del Mar. The colt’s connections are considering running him in either the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf or the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Forever Young
The Japanese horse, Forever Young, entered the Kentucky Derby hoping to end Japan’s losing streak. Although he finished third, he was a top-tier 3-year-old dirt horse. After returning to Japan, he won the Japan Dirt Classic. Forever Young is now a potential contender for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.
Forever Young, a son of Real Steel (JPN), had a stellar record before the Kentucky Derby, winning five out of five races, including two victories in the Middle East. Despite a poor start in the Derby, he rallied to finish third, just two noses behind the winner. His performance in the Derby showcased his talent and potential. After returning to Japan, Forever Young dominated the Japan Dirt Classic, defeating 14 rivals. This victory solidified his status as one of Japan’s top dirt horses and made him a strong contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Sierra Leone
This promising 3-year-old colt has shown impressive form this year, winning the Risen Star Stakes and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. He also had strong finishes in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, although he was unlucky not to win the Derby due to a bump with another horse. Despite his recent losses in the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes, Sierra Leone remains a talented and competitive horse.
Sierra Leone, a son of Gun Runner, has been a consistent performer throughout his career. He has won four of his seven starts, including two stakes races. Sierra Leone’s connections believe that he has the potential to be a top-level horse. His recent performances have been encouraging, and he will be a horse to watch in the upcoming months.
Highland Falls
Highland Falls, a promising contender in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic, has a strong pedigree that includes a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner father and a Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner mother. This impressive lineage has set the stage for his potential success in the prestigious race. Recently, Highland Falls secured his spot in the Breeders’ Cup by dominating the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes. His victory over the favored Arthur’s Ride and impressive stamina and speed showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes was not Highland Falls’ only standout performance. Earlier this year, he also won the Blame Stakes and placed second in the Oaklawn Handicap and Monmouth Cup Stakes. These victories and close finishes demonstrate his consistent ability to perform well in top-level races. As Highland Falls prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, his strong pedigree, recent victory, and consistent performances make him a formidable contender to watch.
Final Words
The Breeders’ Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling spectacle of equine athleticism, strategy, and heart. Each of the five contenders mentioned brings something unique to the table. With these horses set to square off in various Breeders’ Cup races, fans are in for a treat as they witness the finest horses in the world compete for ultimate glory.
As we approach race day, the question remains: which of these champions will rise to the occasion and secure their place in Breeders’ Cup history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain these contenders are poised to put on a show you won’t want to miss.