The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is fast approaching, and the excitement is building for one of the most prestigious races in the world of horse racing. With a massive $7 million purse at stake, this year’s event is set to feature an exceptional field of contenders from across the globe.
From defending champions to rising stars, the 2024 Classic promises to deliver a thrilling competition filled with speed, stamina, and strategy. Below, we’ll look at the top five contenders you should watch as they prepare to battle for victory at Del Mar.
Dornoch (USA)
Dornoch Stays at the Top of Breeders Cup 2024 Classic Contender Rankings. Dornoch, co-owned by retired MLB star Jayson Werth and partners, made a strong comeback in the summer of 2024 after off-the-board finishes in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
The tenacious three-year-old triumphed in the Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 20 after winning the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 8. These wins solidified his position as a top contender for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, earning him an automatic berth in the $7 million race on November 2 at Del Mar.
Dornoch’s speed and resilience were evident as he overcame challenges from rivals like Mindframe and Sierra Leone. His media exposure, bolstered by Werth’s involvement, has highlighted the excitement of horse ownership. Sired by Good Magic, who won the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Dornoch is also a full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage.
Arthur’s Ride (USA)
Arthur’s Ride began his racing career as a 2-year-old in 2022 with two second-place finishes at Saratoga before securing his maiden victory in his third start as a 3-year-old at Gulfstream Park on February 11, 2023.
After a year-long layoff, he returned in 2024 as a 4-year-old and quickly rose from allowance optional claiming races to a Grade 1 winner. Arthur’s Ride won a one-mile race at Gulfstream Park by an impressive 7 1/2 lengths on March 16 and followed up with a dominant wire-to-wire victory by 12 3/ez4 lengths at Saratoga on June 7.
He then stepped up to Grade 1 competition in the $1 million Whitney Stakes at Saratoga on August 3, where he led from the start and won by 2 1/4 lengths over a 10-horse field, including favourite National Treasure. Arthur’s Ride, trained by Bill Mott and bred in Florida, is by Tapit out of Points of Grace by Point Given.
Fierceness (USA)
Fierceness, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) champion, is targeting the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on November 2, 2024.
After a mixed start to his 3-year-old season, he showed brilliance again with a dominant win in the March 30 Curlin Florida Derby (G1). However, a poor start in the Kentucky Derby saw him fade to 15th.
Following a break, Fierceness rebounded to win the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) on July 27, showcasing his potential as a top contender. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher noted that Fierceness thrives with more time between races, and jockey John Velazquez praised his performance as “incredible.”
A homebred for Repole Stable, Fierceness is sired by City of Light and out of Nonna Bella, showing promise for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Forever Young (JPN)
A Japanese-bred thoroughbred racehorse, Forever Young gained his name by winning several races, such as the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun and JBC Nisai Yushun in 2023, and then the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby in 2024.
His undefeated streak ended with a close third-place finish in a photo finish at the 150th Kentucky Derby, narrowly losing to Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone. Bred at Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Japan, Forever Young was foaled on February 24, 2021.
He was purchased at the JRHA Select Sale for ¥98,000,000 (approximately $893,000) by Susumu Fujita and trained by Yoshito Yahagi.
Sierra Leone (USA)
Sierra Leone, a standout 3-year-old in North America, showed his stakes potential in 2023 when he narrowly missed victory in the Remsen Stakes (G2). In 2024, he won his first two races, taking the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the Risen Star Stakes (G2).
He continued his strong form with second in the Kentucky Derby and third in the Belmont Stakes. In the Derby, he was just a nose behind winner Mystik Dan, though a bump with Forever Young may have impacted both horses’ performances.
Trainer Chad Brown adjusted tactics before the Belmont, including changing bits and switching to jockey Flavien Prat, but Sierra Leone finished third behind his rival Dornoch. Returning in the Jim Dandy Stakes, Sierra Leone closed well to place second, a length behind Fierceness.
He was purchased for $2.3 million in 2022 and is owned by a powerful group, including Peter Brant, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor. He was bred by Debby Oxley.
Final Words
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic promises to be an electrifying event. Top contenders like Dornoch, Arthur’s Ride, Fierceness, Forever Young, and Sierra Leone will battle for victory. With a mix of rising stars and seasoned champions, this race will showcase the best in speed, strategy, and determination on a global stage.
