City Of Troy is set to face 13 rivals in the Breeders’ Cup Classic as the Ballydoyle beast bids to confirm his place in the pantheon of greats on Saturday.
The son of American Triple crown winner Justify is switched to dirt for the first time in his career as ‘the lads’ attempt to land the prestigious race that has long eluded them.
He heads into the 10-furlong showdown in imperious form after successive Group 1 victories in the Epsom Derby, Eclipse and Juddmonte International.
Fierceness, who won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year, looks to be the pick of the opposition after claiming the spoils in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes last time out.
The Japanese, meanwhile, are strongly represented by Kentucky Derby third Forever Young, last year’s runner-up Derma Sotogake and 2023 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro.
The latest Breeders’ Cup Classic odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024 verdict
Timeform: CITY OF TROY is strictly the one to beat. Sure, he has to prove he will handle everything this surface can throw at him, but his dad was a Triple Crown winner and his European form is the strongest in the field. Fierceness has recently confirmed he’s the best of the home team and will be ready to pick up the pieces should the pick fail to fire. Forever Young can chase them home and lead a clean sweep for the Classic generation.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024.
Forever Young
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi Jockey: Ryusei Sakai Age: 3 Weight: 8st 10lbs Draw: 1
Japanese 3-year-old is unlucky not to be a perfect seven but for a late barging match with Sierra Leone in the Kentucky Derby in which he was a very narrow third. Given a five month break before a comfortable winning return in the Japan Dirt Classic at Oii. Has unfinished business in the US.
****
Highland Falls
Trainer: Brad H. Cox Jockey: Luis Saez Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 2
Godolphin runner given the patient approach by Brad Cox. Only had nine races for his age but getting better all the time as a four-length demolition of Pyrenees showed in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga last time. Could outrun his odds.
***
City Of Troy
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 3 Weight: 8st 10lbs Draw: 3
With the exception of one blip, this Aidan O’Brien-trained superstar has swept all before him in Europe. His impressive Epsom Derby victory was backed up in the Eclipse at Sandown and the International at York, going wire-to-wire in the latter. Has no dirt experience but is by Justify and has huge expectations on his shoulders.
*****
Mixto
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill Jockey: Kyle Frey Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 4
A Del Mar maiden winner around this time last year, caused a surprise in the Pacific Classic there last out. Promises to be close to the pace but can’t do it again, can he?
*
Senor Buscador
Trainer: Todd W. Fincher Jockey: Joel Rosario Age: 6 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 5
Enjoyed a profitable time of it earlier in the year – second Pegasus, first Saudi Cup, third Dubai World Cup. Not quite hit those heights on homecoming. Deep closer who may not get the extreme pace he requires.
**
Derma Sotogake
Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi Jockey: Christophe Lemaire Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 6
Well fancied for the Kentucky Derby on the back of an impressive UAE Derby success. Ran best race when second in this last year behind White Abarrio. Has presumably been aimed at a return this year but has yet to show all his ability remains. Blinkers go on.
**
Ushba Tesoro
Trainer: Noboru Takagi Jockey: Yuga Kawada Age: 7 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 7
Won 4 times in 2023, notably the Dubai World Cup. Only defeat came in last year’s Classic. Found only one too good all 3 outings this year. Another deep closer but he’s reliable enough to think he’ll be picking a few rivals off in the finish.
***
Pyrenees
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez, Jnr Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 8
Represents a burgeoning trainer. A Grade 3 win in the spring followed by a couple of runner-up spots in Grade 1s. This may be a step too far right now.
**
Fierceness
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher Jockey: John R. Velazquez Age: 3 Weight: 8st 10lbs Draw: 9
Boasts the best form of the home team thanks to his demolition job in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream. He overdid it early on in the Kentucky Derby but has been right back to his best the last twice at Saratoga, winning the Jim Dandy and Travers. Is proven at the distance and should run a big race.
****
Tapit Trice
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 10
Older stable companion of Fierceness. Is a smart performer on his day and, despite two sines this season, would require a career best to succeed in this spot.
***
Sierra Leone
Trainer: Chad C. Brown Jockey: Flavien Prat Age: 3 Weight: 8st 10lbs Draw: 11
Goes in the second colours of the Coolmore partners behind their City of Troy. Hasn’t yet added to his Blue Grass success at Keeneland, though was beaten by the width of a cigarette paper in the Kentucky Derby. Is holding his form well without winning and would benefit from a strong pace.
***
Arthur’s Ride
Trainer: William I. Mott Jockey: Junior Alvarado Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 12
Stepped out of allowance optional claimers to score decisively in the Whitney at Saratoga in summer. Disappointed in the Jockey Club Gold Cup there last out. Will need to bounce back though represents a barn that doesn’t tilt at windmills.
***
Newgate
Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Frankie Dettori Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 13
Has had a seemingly interrupted career to date but is patently a smart horse on his day. Landed his biggest success in the Santa Anita Handicap back in March before a dull effort out in Dubai. Was much better on return in the California Crown back at Santa Anita latest outing. A career best would be required to prevail here.
***
Next
Trainer: William D. Cowans Jockey: Luan Machado Age: 6 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 14
A winning machine for current connections since they discovered the key was marathon distances. Draw doesn’t help and unless he sets a strong pace himself, he may not get an ideal trip. Sure to take some bettors money as a longshot.
**
Rattle N Roll
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz Age: 5 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 15
Has two wins at the distance but looks fully exposed as a bit below this level.
*
RESERVE
Read More on the Breeders’ Cup 2024
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest horse racing tips
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- Breeders’ Cup prize money for all 14 races at Del Mar
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