The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the crown jewel of American horse racing, and the 2024 edition promises to deliver yet another electrifying showdown. This race, known for its high stakes, immense prestige, and a purse of $6 million, consistently draws the top Thoroughbreds from around the world. With some of the best horses vying for victory, the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic will be the race for horse racing fans and bettors.
In this preview, we’ll examine the top contenders for this year’s Classic, their form, key strengths, and chances of winning. The 2024 race will feature a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and potential dark horses that could surprise the field.
Fierceness
You know Fierceness is the hottest horse if you’re updated with the 2024 Breeders’ Cup odds. Fierceness may return to Southern California this fall for another Breeders’ Cup appearance at Del Mar. He is being considered for the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 2.
His 2024 season began with a disappointing third-place finish in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 3, but he bounced back with a dominant victory in the March 30 Curlin Florida Derby (G1). That win solidified his position as the favorite for the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) on May 4. However, after breaking awkwardly and pressing the pace at Churchill Downs, Fierceness faded in the stretch, finishing a distant 15th.
This victory marked Fierceness’ fourth career win and his third stakes triumph. John Velazquez described the performance as “incredible,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher explained that the colt needed time to regroup after the Derby and the shipping logistics. Pletcher also noted that Fierceness performs better with more time between races.
City of Troy
City of Troy, Europe’s reigning champion juvenile after an unbeaten 2023 season, had a disappointing start to his 2024 campaign with a ninth-place finish in the May 4 Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (G1) at Newmarket in his 3-year-old debut.
However, the colt quickly rebounded with a dominant performance in the Epsom Racecourse. His victory not only marked a remarkable turnaround but also delivered a record-extending 10th Derby win for trainer Aidan O’Brien and a fourth for jockey Ryan Moore.
Owned by Coolmore-affiliated connections, the City of Troy is expected to be a contender for either the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at 1 1/2 miles on turf or the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at 1 1/4 miles on dirt. Both races will occur on November 2 at Del Mar in Southern California. Coolmore is also considering sending Auguste Rodin (IRE) for one of these prestigious races.
Forever Young
Forever Young entered this year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs as Japan’s top contender to break the country’s 0-for-6 record in the historic race. Japan’s best finishes in the Derby were two sixth-place efforts—by Master Fencer (JPN) in 2019 and Derma Sotogake (JPN) in 2023.
Owned by Susumu Fujita and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young has strong connections to the Breeders’ Cup. Yahagi previously won two races at the 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar. Forever Young’s promising form suggests he could add to his trainer’s success at this year’s event.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone first hinted at his stakes potential as a 2-year-old when he narrowly missed victory in the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct, finishing a nose behind Dornoch in a thrilling finish. Since then, he has emerged as one of the top 3-year-olds in North America in 2024.
Sierra Leone came heartbreakingly close to winning the Kentucky Derby, missing by just a nose to Mystik Dan. However, his late surge was marred by a drift toward the inside, resulting in a bump with third-place finisher Forever Young (JPN). This contact may have affected both horses’ performances in the race’s final stages.
Highland Falls
Highland Falls comes from a rich Breeders’ Cup lineage, being a son of Curlin, the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (G1) champion, and out of Round Pond, the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) winner.
Highland Falls has secured his place in the Breeders’ Cup by winning the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) on Sept. 1 at Saratoga. The 1 1/4-mile race, held at the same distance as the Nov. 2 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, was a Classic qualifier through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
While his victory earned him automatic, expense-paid entry into the Breeders’ Cup, his eye-catching performance showed that Highland Falls would arrive in Southern California as a serious contender. Tracking the favored Arthur’s Ride, winner of the Whitney Stakes (G1), Highland Falls maintained pressure through strong fractions.
After putting away the favorite, he surged down the stretch, ultimately finishing 4 lengths ahead of Pyrenees, with Disarm taking third. Highland Falls completed the race in 2:03.25 under jockey Flavien Prat. Highland Falls is poised to be a major player in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar with a strong pedigree, proven stamina, and a breakout victory on his resume.
Final Words
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic promises to be a spectacular showcase of the world’s best Thoroughbreds, with contenders like Fierceness, City of Troy, Forever Young, Sierra Leone, and Highland Falls all bringing strong credentials and captivating storylines to the race. As the event draws near, fans and bettors alike can expect thrilling competition, making this edition of the Breeders’ Cup Classic one of the most anticipated races in recent memory.
