The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events in the racing calendar, featuring some of the top thoroughbreds from around the globe. With a rich history of dramatic finishes and iconic performances, the Classic is where legends are made.
This year’s field is packed with elite contenders, all vying for a piece of the $7 million purse and the chance to etch their names in horse racing history. In this blog, we’ll break down the favorites for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic and what makes them top contenders for victory.
Fierceness
Each week, a panel of media members, horseplayers, and Breeders’ Cup officials releases a poll ranking the top contenders for the 2024 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Voters rank the top 10 horses, with points awarded on a descending scale.
In Week nine of the rankings, DraftKings Travers Stakes winner Fierceness continues to hold the top spot, maintaining his lead since Week five. These rankings are crucial for those interested in Breeders Cup betting 2024 as they track the top contenders.
Fierceness, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner, is poised for a potential run in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. Despite inconsistent performances in 2024, he rebounded after a disappointing Kentucky Derby with victories in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) and the Travers Stakes (G1).
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher noted Fierceness performs better with extra time between races. A Repole Stable homebred, Fierceness is by City of Light and continues to show brilliance as he targets the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
City Of Troy
City of Troy, Europe’s champion juvenile, had a rocky start to 2024 with a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Qipco 2000 Guineas (G1).
However, he quickly rebounded with a commanding victory in the Betfred Derby (G1) on June 1 at Epsom, securing a record 10th Derby win for trainer Aidan O’Brien and a fourth for jockey Ryan Moore. Despite some early race challenges, he followed that with a win in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1).
On August 21, City of Troy added another Group 1 win by leading in the Juddmonte International at York. Owned by Coolmore-affiliated connections, City of Troy is a potential contender for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) or Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
Coolmore’s John Magnier expressed interest in attempting the Classic, as he is a three-year-old sired by the undefeated American Triple Crown champion, Justify, on top of holding an impressive record of three undefeated and uncontested races on the track.
Forever Young (JPN)
Forever Young entered the 2024 Kentucky Derby as Japan’s strongest hope to break the country’s 0-for-6 streak in the race, following previous best finishes of sixth. While he didn’t win, Forever Young impressed with a third-place finish, narrowly edged by two noses behind Mystik Dan and runner-up Sierra Leone.
After a poor start, he rallied from 16th place and navigated a tough trip, even bumping with the second-place finisher down the stretch. Forever Young returned to Japan after the Derby but may race in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.
The son of Real Steel had previously won five consecutive races, including the Boutique Group Saudi Derby (G3) and U.A.E. Derby (G2). With two Breeders’ Cup victories under his belt in 2021, Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi and owned by Susumu Fujita, looks set to become one of the world’s best 3-year-old dirt horses.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a son of Gun Runner, has emerged as one of North America’s top 3-year-olds in 2024. After signaling his potential with a second-place finish in the 2023 Remsen Stakes (G2), he won the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) earlier this year.
He narrowly missed Kentucky Derby glory, finishing second by a nose behind Mystik Dan, and placed third in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Trainer Chad Brown changed Tyler Gaffalione as the jockey and acquired Flavien Prat in an effort to limit his inclination to stray inside.
Purchased for $2.3 million in 2022, Sierra Leone races for notable owners, including Peter Brant and Susan Magnier, and was bred in Kentucky by Debby Oxley out of the Grade 1-winning mare Heavenly Love.
Dornoch
Co-owned by former Major League Baseball player Jayson Werth, Dornoch had an incredible summertime comeback in 2024 following dismal results in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1).
The determined 3-year-old won the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 8 and followed it with a victory in the Haskell Stakes (G1) on July 20, securing an automatic berth for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Dornoch showcased his grit in both races, turning back Mindframe’s challenge, and had previously won the 2023 Remsen Stakes (G2) by narrowly beating Sierra Leone. After winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), he had now won three graded stakes races this year. His most recent success came in Haskell.
Conclusion
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is set to be an unforgettable event, with top contenders like Fierceness, City of Troy, Forever Young, Sierra Leone, and Dornoch vying for glory. Each horse has demonstrated exceptional talent and resilience, making this year’s Classic a thrilling showcase of elite racing.
