2024 Breeders' Cup Classic
Updated October 29, 2024
Purse: $7,000,000
Distance: 1¼ miles
Grade: 1
Age: 3-year-old+
Post Time: Saturday, November 2 at 2:41 p.m. PDT (Race 8 at Del Mar)
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is one of the most important races in the world. As the premier horse race for horses aged three and older, this event goes a long way towards deciding who will become 2024’s Horse of the Year. And, this year, it will be run at the picturesque Del Mar Racetrack.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is always a puzzle: who has the class? Who has the mile-and-a-quarter stamina? Is there a new face or less-experienced horse who will get the right setup or thrive over the trip? In 2023, the race featured a few last-minute defections, so the race felt like it was in flux up until the last minute.
Selecting Your Breeders’ Cup Classic Bets
Whether you are a casual bettor or a professional Thoroughbred racing handicapper, placing a bet can bring you much closer to the action at Del Mar!
Be sure to take a close look at the past performances, check out the contenders’ workout times, and read all the information from trainers and jockeys that you can get your hands on to ensure you have an informed opinion before placing a wager.
Of course, a major shortcut is to keep checking in with us at FanDuel. Our team of experts will be on hand to offer you lots of insight as we approach race day in Del Mar, California. We have information on contenders and much more to help you pick a Classic bet.
Placing Your Classic Wagers
As the proud official wagering partner of the Breeders’ Cup, FanDuel takes you right to the heart of the horse racing action.
Betting online is the way to go, and with FanDuel, you can not only find out all the information you need about the $7 million Classic, but you can also place your bets right from the comfort of your own home.
Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024 Odds
The final field for the Breeders’ Cup Classic was drawn on Monday, October 28. The Breeders’ Cup Classic drew an overflow field: 14 can race, and there is one on the also-eligible list waiting for a defection.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Owner | ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forever Young | Yoshito Yahag | Ryusei Sakai | Susumu Fujita | 6-1 |
| 2 | Highland Falls | Brad Cox | Luis Saez | Godolphin | 20-1 |
| 3 | City of Troy | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith | 5-2 |
| 4 | Mixto | Doug O’Neill | Kyle Frey | Calumet Farm | 30-1 |
| 5 | Senor Buscador | Todd Fincher | Joel Rosario | Peacock Family Racing Stable | 30-1 |
| 6 | Derma Sotogake | Hidetaka Otonashi | Christophe Lemaire | Hiroyuki Asanuma | 20-1 |
| 7 | Ushba Tesoro | Noboru Takagi | Yuga Kawada | Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings | 12-1 |
| 8 | Pyrenees | Cherie DeVaux | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Blue Heaven Farm | 30-1 |
| 9 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez | Repole Stable | 3-1 |
| 10 | Tapit Trice | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Whisper Hill Farm, Gainesway Stable | 30-1 |
| 11 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor et al. | 12-1 |
| 12 | Arthur’s Ride | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | Glassman Racing | 15-1 |
| 13 | Newgate | Bob Baffert | Frankie Dettori | SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables et al. | 20-1 |
| 14 | Next | Doug Cowans | Luan Machado | Michael A. Foster | 8-1 |
| 15 (AE) | Rattle N Roll | Kenny McPeek | Jose Ortiz | Lucky 7 Stables | 30-1 |
2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders
These are the contenders for the 2024 edition of the Breeders’ Cup Classic:
Arthur’s Ride - Trainer: Bill Mott - Sire: Tapit
A new face at the top of the handicap division this year, this speedy grey son of Tapit cleared his allowance conditions and then wired the Whitney in August at Saratoga in his first-ever graded-stakes start. He weakened to fifth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, but if there is a shortage of speed or a speed bias at Del Mar on Breeders’ Cup Saturday, his resounding allowance win at 1 ¼ miles three starts back makes him interesting at a price, though he was hurt somewhat by the outside post.
City of Troy - Trainer: Aidan O’Brien - Sire: Justify
Aidan O’Brien has come close in the Breeders’ Cup Classic with the likes of Giant’s Causeway and Declaration of War. He is serious about putting City of Troy on dirt, to the point that he didn’t even cross-enter the Epsom Derby (G1) winner in the Turf. He is a son of Triple Crown winner Just,ify and his 1 ¼-mile stamina is unimpeachable, though this morning-line favorite will be a short price for a horse with no dirt experience.
Derma Sotogake - Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi - Sire: Mind Your Biscuits
He has come up flat in three starts this year, but he ran a shock second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, showing he can handle both the overseas ship and the 1 ¼-mile distance. In that race he tracked a few lengths off a quick pace and finished well for a piece. If he looks good in morning training in the week leading up to the race, he may be the right price to bet for a share again.
Fierceness - Trainer: Todd Pletcher - Sire: City of Light
The question, as usual, is which Fierceness shows up. The good one has shown up in his last two—and, his Travers (G1) victory showed a new dimension because it proved he could win a close battle against an excellent horse without folding. His tactical speed should play well in California, as well. His best fits, but the biggest question is the fact that this race will be his first try versus older.
Forever Young - Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi - Sire: Real Steel
Based in Japan, he has already shown he can ship overseas: he won the Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2), and then missed by a head in the Kentucky Derby (G1). He freshened up through the summer, coming back with a win in the Japan Dirt Classic, where he showed more tactical speed than he did in the Kentucky Derby. That is a positive, though he still has to prove himself against older.
Highland Falls - Trainer: Brad Cox - Sire: Curlin
Only a maiden winner this time last year, he has ascended up the stakes ranks this year, winning the Blame (G3) in June and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) last out. It was an improved effort from his only other 1 ¼-mile try, a still-respectable fourth in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in March. He’ll need his best, but his tactical speed and 1 ¼-mile form make him interesting, as does trainer Brad Cox’s recent hot streak.
Mixto - Trainer: Doug O’Neill - Sire: Good Magic
The question is whether the Mixto who showed up in the Pacific Classic was the real Mixto, or a one-hit wonder. If the Breeders’ Cup were being run anywhere else, the smart money would be on it being a one-hit wonder. He may still regress from that lifetime best. But, since Del Mar can be a love-it-or-hate-it proposition and the Breeders’ Cup Classic covers 1 ¼ miles at Del Mar, it’s worth noting a repeat of that effort could win this race, and he may be the price to use on spread tickets.
Newgate - Trainer: Bob Baffert - Sire: Into Mischief
This Bob Baffert trainee disappointed two back in the Dubai World Cup, but he won the 1 ¼-mile Santa Anita Handicap from midfield three back, and returned to be defeated by only a neck in the California Crown (G1) last out. He has upside to improve second off the lay for four-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bob Baffert, but the concern is that he may be better at Santa Anita than Del Mar.
Next - Trainer: William Cowans - Sire: Not This Time
Next is the premier staying dirt horse, and hasn’t lost in almost a year and a half. However, all of those races in his streak have been at 1 ½ miles or m; speed at such a long distance may not translate to 1 ¼ miles, especially given how many of these runners tend to be forwardly placed. He also has class questions to answer, as dirt marathons tend to be a thing horses who can’t cut it against top foes try, in order to go for some black type.
Senor Buscador - Trainer: Todd Fincher - Sire: Mineshaft
He was the buzz horse of the first half of the year: he missed by a neck in the Pegasus World Cup (G1), upset the Saudi Cup (G1), and then finished third behind runaway winner Laurel River in the Dubai World Cup (G1). However, his two starts since have not been as strong, and it’s a concern that he tends to show better form going 1 ⅛ miles and not 1 ¼.
Sierra Leone - Trainer: Chad Brown - Sire: Gun Runner
A model of consistency, this horse has not been off the board in eight starts. However, only three of those have been wins, and sometimes he can get into his own way. That could be a problem as he steps up to face older foes for the first time. However, assuming all the possible speed stays in, he could be a reliable choice to fill out lower rungs of exotics.
Skippylongstocking - Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr. - Sire: Exaggerator
There isn’t a perfect Breeders’ Cup race for him: he was third in the Dirt Mile last year, though his better trip is more like 1 1/16 miles or 1 ⅛. He has snagged the odd minor award at the top level, but with more class-proven and distance-proven horses in the field who share his tactical-speed running style, he would need a career day to spring the upset.
Tapit Trice - Trainer: Todd Pletcher - Sire: Tapit
He won at the top level in the Blue Grass last year, but has needed to step down from the top level to win two of three starts this year. Despite his breeding on paper looking great for this Classic-type trip, most of his better efforts have come going shorter than this, which raises questions for him to do more than pass some late for a piece if the possible hot pace takes its toll.
Ushba Tesoro - Trainer: Noboru Takagi - Sire: Orfevre
He made up some distance for fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, and takes another swing at the big prize this year. He has a string of second-itis this year, but he kept good company in the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, and the possibility for a sharp early pace bodes well for him to make his trademark late run.
Breeders' Cup Odds
Day 1 Races
Day 2 Races
Stay tuned to FanDuel TV for your 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Information
You can bet the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland right here at FanDuel Racing. Check out all the latest Breeders’ Cup information with us and allow our team of experts to keep you well informed.
Get up to $100 Back
If you don’t win your first single-horse win betFanDuel Racing Offers
Get up to $100 Back
If you don’t win your first single-horse win betUpdated October 29, 2024
Purse: $7,000,000
Distance: 1¼ miles
Grade: 1
Age: 3-year-old+
Post Time: Saturday, November 2 at 2:41 p.m. PDT (Race 8 at Del Mar)
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is one of the most important races in the world. As the premier horse race for horses aged three and older, this event goes a long way towards deciding who will become 2024’s Horse of the Year. And, this year, it will be run at the picturesque Del Mar Racetrack.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is always a puzzle: who has the class? Who has the mile-and-a-quarter stamina? Is there a new face or less-experienced horse who will get the right setup or thrive over the trip? In 2023, the race featured a few last-minute defections, so the race felt like it was in flux up until the last minute.
Selecting Your Breeders’ Cup Classic Bets
Whether you are a casual bettor or a professional Thoroughbred racing handicapper, placing a bet can bring you much closer to the action at Del Mar!
Be sure to take a close look at the past performances, check out the contenders’ workout times, and read all the information from trainers and jockeys that you can get your hands on to ensure you have an informed opinion before placing a wager.
Of course, a major shortcut is to keep checking in with us at FanDuel. Our team of experts will be on hand to offer you lots of insight as we approach race day in Del Mar, California. We have information on contenders and much more to help you pick a Classic bet.
Placing Your Classic Wagers
As the proud official wagering partner of the Breeders’ Cup, FanDuel takes you right to the heart of the horse racing action.
Betting online is the way to go, and with FanDuel, you can not only find out all the information you need about the $7 million Classic, but you can also place your bets right from the comfort of your own home.
Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024 Odds
The final field for the Breeders’ Cup Classic was drawn on Monday, October 28. The Breeders’ Cup Classic drew an overflow field: 14 can race, and there is one on the also-eligible list waiting for a defection.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Owner | ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forever Young | Yoshito Yahag | Ryusei Sakai | Susumu Fujita | 6-1 |
| 2 | Highland Falls | Brad Cox | Luis Saez | Godolphin | 20-1 |
| 3 | City of Troy | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith | 5-2 |
| 4 | Mixto | Doug O’Neill | Kyle Frey | Calumet Farm | 30-1 |
| 5 | Senor Buscador | Todd Fincher | Joel Rosario | Peacock Family Racing Stable | 30-1 |
| 6 | Derma Sotogake | Hidetaka Otonashi | Christophe Lemaire | Hiroyuki Asanuma | 20-1 |
| 7 | Ushba Tesoro | Noboru Takagi | Yuga Kawada | Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings | 12-1 |
| 8 | Pyrenees | Cherie DeVaux | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Blue Heaven Farm | 30-1 |
| 9 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez | Repole Stable | 3-1 |
| 10 | Tapit Trice | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Whisper Hill Farm, Gainesway Stable | 30-1 |
| 11 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor et al. | 12-1 |
| 12 | Arthur’s Ride | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | Glassman Racing | 15-1 |
| 13 | Newgate | Bob Baffert | Frankie Dettori | SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables et al. | 20-1 |
| 14 | Next | Doug Cowans | Luan Machado | Michael A. Foster | 8-1 |
| 15 (AE) | Rattle N Roll | Kenny McPeek | Jose Ortiz | Lucky 7 Stables | 30-1 |
2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders
These are the contenders for the 2024 edition of the Breeders’ Cup Classic:
Arthur’s Ride - Trainer: Bill Mott - Sire: Tapit
A new face at the top of the handicap division this year, this speedy grey son of Tapit cleared his allowance conditions and then wired the Whitney in August at Saratoga in his first-ever graded-stakes start. He weakened to fifth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, but if there is a shortage of speed or a speed bias at Del Mar on Breeders’ Cup Saturday, his resounding allowance win at 1 ¼ miles three starts back makes him interesting at a price, though he was hurt somewhat by the outside post.
City of Troy - Trainer: Aidan O’Brien - Sire: Justify
Aidan O’Brien has come close in the Breeders’ Cup Classic with the likes of Giant’s Causeway and Declaration of War. He is serious about putting City of Troy on dirt, to the point that he didn’t even cross-enter the Epsom Derby (G1) winner in the Turf. He is a son of Triple Crown winner Just,ify and his 1 ¼-mile stamina is unimpeachable, though this morning-line favorite will be a short price for a horse with no dirt experience.
Derma Sotogake - Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi - Sire: Mind Your Biscuits
He has come up flat in three starts this year, but he ran a shock second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, showing he can handle both the overseas ship and the 1 ¼-mile distance. In that race he tracked a few lengths off a quick pace and finished well for a piece. If he looks good in morning training in the week leading up to the race, he may be the right price to bet for a share again.
Fierceness - Trainer: Todd Pletcher - Sire: City of Light
The question, as usual, is which Fierceness shows up. The good one has shown up in his last two—and, his Travers (G1) victory showed a new dimension because it proved he could win a close battle against an excellent horse without folding. His tactical speed should play well in California, as well. His best fits, but the biggest question is the fact that this race will be his first try versus older.
Forever Young - Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi - Sire: Real Steel
Based in Japan, he has already shown he can ship overseas: he won the Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2), and then missed by a head in the Kentucky Derby (G1). He freshened up through the summer, coming back with a win in the Japan Dirt Classic, where he showed more tactical speed than he did in the Kentucky Derby. That is a positive, though he still has to prove himself against older.
Highland Falls - Trainer: Brad Cox - Sire: Curlin
Only a maiden winner this time last year, he has ascended up the stakes ranks this year, winning the Blame (G3) in June and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) last out. It was an improved effort from his only other 1 ¼-mile try, a still-respectable fourth in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in March. He’ll need his best, but his tactical speed and 1 ¼-mile form make him interesting, as does trainer Brad Cox’s recent hot streak.
Mixto - Trainer: Doug O’Neill - Sire: Good Magic
The question is whether the Mixto who showed up in the Pacific Classic was the real Mixto, or a one-hit wonder. If the Breeders’ Cup were being run anywhere else, the smart money would be on it being a one-hit wonder. He may still regress from that lifetime best. But, since Del Mar can be a love-it-or-hate-it proposition and the Breeders’ Cup Classic covers 1 ¼ miles at Del Mar, it’s worth noting a repeat of that effort could win this race, and he may be the price to use on spread tickets.
Newgate - Trainer: Bob Baffert - Sire: Into Mischief
This Bob Baffert trainee disappointed two back in the Dubai World Cup, but he won the 1 ¼-mile Santa Anita Handicap from midfield three back, and returned to be defeated by only a neck in the California Crown (G1) last out. He has upside to improve second off the lay for four-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bob Baffert, but the concern is that he may be better at Santa Anita than Del Mar.
Next - Trainer: William Cowans - Sire: Not This Time
Next is the premier staying dirt horse, and hasn’t lost in almost a year and a half. However, all of those races in his streak have been at 1 ½ miles or m; speed at such a long distance may not translate to 1 ¼ miles, especially given how many of these runners tend to be forwardly placed. He also has class questions to answer, as dirt marathons tend to be a thing horses who can’t cut it against top foes try, in order to go for some black type.
Senor Buscador - Trainer: Todd Fincher - Sire: Mineshaft
He was the buzz horse of the first half of the year: he missed by a neck in the Pegasus World Cup (G1), upset the Saudi Cup (G1), and then finished third behind runaway winner Laurel River in the Dubai World Cup (G1). However, his two starts since have not been as strong, and it’s a concern that he tends to show better form going 1 ⅛ miles and not 1 ¼.
Sierra Leone - Trainer: Chad Brown - Sire: Gun Runner
A model of consistency, this horse has not been off the board in eight starts. However, only three of those have been wins, and sometimes he can get into his own way. That could be a problem as he steps up to face older foes for the first time. However, assuming all the possible speed stays in, he could be a reliable choice to fill out lower rungs of exotics.
Skippylongstocking - Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr. - Sire: Exaggerator
There isn’t a perfect Breeders’ Cup race for him: he was third in the Dirt Mile last year, though his better trip is more like 1 1/16 miles or 1 ⅛. He has snagged the odd minor award at the top level, but with more class-proven and distance-proven horses in the field who share his tactical-speed running style, he would need a career day to spring the upset.
Tapit Trice - Trainer: Todd Pletcher - Sire: Tapit
He won at the top level in the Blue Grass last year, but has needed to step down from the top level to win two of three starts this year. Despite his breeding on paper looking great for this Classic-type trip, most of his better efforts have come going shorter than this, which raises questions for him to do more than pass some late for a piece if the possible hot pace takes its toll.
Ushba Tesoro - Trainer: Noboru Takagi - Sire: Orfevre
He made up some distance for fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, and takes another swing at the big prize this year. He has a string of second-itis this year, but he kept good company in the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, and the possibility for a sharp early pace bodes well for him to make his trademark late run.
Breeders' Cup Odds
Day 1 Races
Day 2 Races
Stay tuned to FanDuel TV for your 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Information
You can bet the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland right here at FanDuel Racing. Check out all the latest Breeders’ Cup information with us and allow our team of experts to keep you well informed.