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Breeders Cup 2024 Contenders

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The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic is the crown jewel of thoroughbred racing, showcasing speed, stamina, and equine athleticism.

The Breeders' Cup Classic is one of the most prestigious and lucrative horse races in the world. Held annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, this 1 1/4-mile race for thoroughbreds aged three years and older serves as the climax of the North American racing season.

First run in 1984, the Classic attracts top horses from around the globe, competing for a multi-million dollar purse and the title of world's best racehorse. The race often plays a crucial role in determining the American Horse of the Year and has featured many legendary champions throughout its history.

Typically held in late October or early November, the Breeders' Cup Classic rotates between prominent racetracks in the United States, adding to its allure and challenge. The 2024 renewal will take place at Del Mar racetrack on 02 November.

As the 2024 racing season unfolds, a select group of horses has emerged as potential contenders for this prestigious title.

Let’s look into the profiles of five of the Breeders Cup 2024 contenders, examining their pedigrees, racing styles, and the factors that could propel them to victory at Del Mar.

City Of Troy: Heads The Market

Aidan O'Brien

City of Troy is a promising young racehorse that has been making waves in the racing world. Trained by the legendary Aidan O'Brien, this colt has shown impressive speed and stamina.

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Latest News:

Wesley Ward, a prominent US trainer, strongly backs European horse City Of Troy to win Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. He cites two main reasons: first, Del Mar's dirt track is historically favorable for turf horses transitioning to dirt, according to legendary trainer Bobby Frankel.

Second, Ward has immense faith in trainer Aidan O'Brien's judgment, pointing to O'Brien's accurate prediction of the horse's Derby win despite an earlier Guineas defeat. If successful, City Of Troy would be only the second European horse this century to win the Classic.

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His most recent victory, on 21 August 2024, was achieved at York (UK) in the Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1) worth £709,000 to the winner.

He trounced a top class field from the front, beating runner up French trained Calandagan by a length.

Latest News on 20 Sept

City of Troy, a top-rated racehorse, is preparing for the Breeders' Cup Classic with a special racecourse gallop at Southwell.

Aidan O'Brien, the horse's trainer, has organized a unique training session to simulate the high-intensity pace of the race. He's bringing American-style starting stalls and a team to replicate the conditions of the Breeders' Cup.

The gallop will take place on Friday afternoon at Southwell racecourse, with the exact time to be announced. You can watch it in person or on Sky Sports Racing.

City of Troy is a strong contender for the Breeders' Cup Classic, with a favorable pedigree and impressive racing record.

Here's what happened according to Claude:

"Yo, check it out! City Of Troy totally crushed it at Southwell on Friday. This beast left his four buddies in the dust during their practice run. Get this - this Justify kid has been on fire, winning six outta seven races for Aidan O'Brien.

The boss man wanted to see how his star horse would handle the fake turf before they take a shot at the big leagues in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Pretty smart move, right?"

But can he do it on the day? Don't miss it!

Here's a quick overview of his key attributes:

Age: 3 years old
Sex: Colt
Sire: Justify
Dam: Together Forever
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Owner: Mrs John Magnier, Mr M Tabor & Mr D Smith

Notable Wins and Achievements:

City of Troy has secured multiple wins in Group races, showcasing his potential for top-level competition.
His recent performances have positioned him as a strong contender for prestigious races like the Derby.

Considered by his Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien to be the best horse he has ever trained he has now amassed total prize money of £2,383,614.

Why he is now favourite for the Breeders Cup

A front-runner who sees out a mile and a quarter very well is just what you need for the Breeders' Cup and City Of Troy is Coral's 3-1 favourite for the Classic, which O'Brien has yet to win.

Why is City of Troy so exciting?

Pedigree: His sire, Justify, is a Triple Crown winner, giving him a strong genetic foundation for success.
Training: Being trained by Aidan O'Brien, one of the most successful trainers in racing history, provides him with expert guidance.
Early Form: His consistent performances in top-level races indicate that he has the potential to be a future star.

Dornoch: Is Slipping In The Market

Dornoch has captured the imagination of racing fans with his dominant performances throughout the season. His Belmont Stakes and Haskell Invitational victories have solidified his status as the horse to beat.

The son of Good Magic possesses a potent combination of speed and stamina, making him a formidable force at any distance. His ability to adapt to different racing styles, coupled with the expert guidance of trainer Danny Gargan and jockey John Velazquez, has made him a near-invincible contender for Breeders cup’ betting 2024.

While Dornoch's talent is undeniable, maintaining peak performance over an extended campaign is a formidable challenge. The physical and mental demands of top-level racing can take a toll, and any setback could disrupt his momentum. The pressure to perform as the odds-on favorite can also be immense, potentially affecting the colt's demeanor and race-day focus.

Dornoch must overcome these challenges and deliver a peak performance to secure victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic. His connections must carefully manage his training regimen, ensuring he remains fresh and focused. The draw for the Classic will also be crucial, as a favorable post position can significantly impact his chances of success.

Arthur's Ride: The Late-Running Threat

Arthur’s Ride has emerged as a formidable challenger with his powerful closing kick. Trained by the legendary Bill Mott, this son of Tapit has demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it matters most. His victory in the Whitney Stakes showcased his talent on the biggest stage, and he will be a serious contender for the Classic.

Arthur’s Ride’s late-running style presents both opportunities and challenges. A fast-paced race can set him up for a powerful finish, but a lack of early speed could leave him vulnerable to traffic compromise. The draw for the Classic will be critical, as a good post position will allow him to conserve energy and position himself for a late surge.

Bill Mott, Arthur’s Ride’s trainer, is renowned for his ability to prepare horses for peak performance. The veteran horseman will undoubtedly have a well-defined strategy for the Classic, and the colt’s jockey will play a crucial role in executing the plan.

Del Mar Racetrack

Fierceness: The Young Gun

Fierceness has burst onto the scene as a potential star, capturing the imagination of fans with his precocious talent. The 3-year-old colt, trained by Todd Pletcher, has shown an impressive combination of speed and stamina, winning the Curlin Florida Derby and Jim Dandy Stakes. While young, his potential is undeniable.

As a 3-year-old, Fierceness faces competing against older, more experienced rivals. While his talent is undeniable, he must overcome the physical and mental demands of competing at the highest level. The Classic will be a significant step up in class, and he must prove that he can handle the pressure.

To maximize Fierceness’s chances, his connections must carefully plan his preparation. The colt’s tactical versatility will be essential, as he may need to adapt his racing style depending on the pace of the race. A favorable draw will also be crucial to his chances of success.

Forever Young (JPN): The 2nd Fav

Forever Young (JPN) represents an exciting international challenge for the Classic. The Japanese-bred colt has shown exceptional talent, winning the UAE Derby and finishing third in the Kentucky Derby. His unique running style and stamina could make him a formidable opponent.

Forever Young (JPN) brings a unique dimension to the Classic with his European-style racing and stamina. However, adapting to the American racing style and handling the pressure of a primary race on foreign soil will be significant challenges.

The draw for the Classic will be crucial for Forever Young, as he will need to avoid being trapped on the inside or forced to race wide. A patient ride, allowing him to settle into a comfortable rhythm, could be the key to unlocking his potential.

Horse Racing In Japan

Sierra Leone: The Consistent Contender

Sierra Leone has established himself as a consistent performer, with multiple graded stakes victories to his credit. Trained by Chad Brown, this colt possesses a versatile running style and the ability to compete at the highest level. While not as flashy as some of his rivals, Sierra Leone's consistency and determination make him a dangerous contender.

Sierra Leone's consistency is a testament to his talent and durability. However, to win the Classic, he must elevate his performance to new heights. Overcoming rivals with more speed and securing a favorable trip will be essential.

Sierra Leone’s versatility allows him to adapt to different racing scenarios, which could be an advantage in the Classic. The draw for the race will be significant, as a good post position will enable him to secure a favorable position early on.

Breeders Cup 2024 Contenders Conclusion

As the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic approaches, these five contenders represent just a fraction of the talent that will converge at Del Mar.

Each horse brings unique strengths and challenges to the race, promising an exhilarating contest. While predictions can be made, the true excitement of the Breeders' Cup lies in its unpredictability.

As history has shown, anything can happen when the world's best thoroughbreds meet on racing's biggest stage. Fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see which horse etches their name into racing lore.

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