The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is the most lucrative horse race in North America with a purse of $7 million up for grabs. Contenders from around the world have descended to Del Mar in California with a chance to make racing history.
City Of Troy +200
City of Troy is one of the best turf runners in the world winning the Juddmonte International Stakes (Gr. 1) on August 21. He has won 6 of 7 lifetime starts, including the last three. But the big question remains, can City of Troy compete on dirt? He’s raced exclusively on turf, and never outside of Europe and now makes the journey across the pond. Being sired by Justify, the pedigree is there and while City of Troy may be the best horse on the planet racing on turf, there isn’t value here at this price.
Fierceness +400
After flopping in the Kentucky Derby, Fierceness went on to win the (G2) Jim Dandy Stakes and (G1) Travers Stakes and improved his speed figure from 108 to 110 in those races. This colt is America’s best shot at winning the Classic. Todd Pletcher won this race in 2019 with Vino Rosso and has Fierceness in the peak of his racing career. Watch for the betting board because there will be value on this horse if he falls to about +500 or greater.
Forever Young +450
Big expectations are on Japan’s Forever Young after a strong performance in his only race outside of Japan, the Kentucky Derby. The colt finished third with a speed rating of 110. Overall, Forever Young has won 6 of 7 lifetime starts, the Derby, his only loss. He has the No.1 post and if he can get a decent break, he should be in the mix. No Japanese horse has won the Classic, but Forever Young has a great shot to break that streak.
Longshot Chances
Arthur’s Ride +2000
Arthur’s Ride had a tough race in the (G1) Jockey Club Gold Cup and now enters a very competitive field but this speed horse could offer a really nice price. In his previous two starts, Arthur’s Ride looked really good winning both races. The lack of early speed could set things up for him to at least get into the exotics.
Betting Odds for Classic
City Of Troy +200
Fierceness +400
Forever Young +600
Ushba Tesoro +1200
Sierra Leone +1200
Next +1400
Highland Falls +1600
Derma Sotogake +2000
Arthur’s Ride +2000
Newgate +2000
Senor Buscador +3300
Pyrenees +3300
Tapit Trice +3300
Mixto +6600
