The Breeders Cup Classic Has a Very International Feel

With the Breeders Cup less than three (3) weeks away, horse racing enthusiasts are starting their handicapping efforts. The 2024 Breeders Cup will feature 14 races to be run at Del Mar Race Course in California on Friday, November 1 & Saturday, November 2.

This year's horse racing season has proven to be a case study in parity. With the exception of the fillies and mares dirt division, the rest of the 2024 Breeders Cup card looks like it could be very competitive with as many as 4 or 5 legitimate contenders in each race. In the Breeders Cup Distaff for fillies and mares, it's hard to imagine anyone other than Idiomatic or Torpedo Anna winning the race.

Of course, all eyes will be on the $7,000,000 Breeders Cup Classic to be run at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles on dirt. While the older male division has seen a number of contenders trading punches, it's the 3-year-old crop that is generating a buzz. Even better, that buzz includes a couple of contenders from other parts of the world. Let's take a look at three (3) key 3-year-old contenders.

Fierceness (USA)

The home team will be represented by Fierceness. Fierceness is a 3-year-old colt owned by Repole Stables and trained by the legendary Todd Pletcher.

After a smashing victory in the 2023 Breeders Cup Juvenile, Fierceness became the presumptive favorite for the Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately, the colt has shown a propensity for inconsistency, often disappointing bettors at short odds. If his last two races are any indication, Fierceness has come of age and might be developing into the superstar the stable thought he could be. He'll be targeting the classic off of a narrow victory in the Grade II Jim Dandy and a dominant win in the Grade I Tracers, both at Saratoga Race Course.

City of Troy (Europe)

From the legendary stables of Michael B. Tabor, Mrs. John 'Susan' Magnier, and Derrick Smith comes the 3-year-old colt City of Troy. Under the tutelage of Aidan O'Brien, City of Troy has become a dominant force in Europe. With a record of 7-6-0-0, the impressive Justify colt looks to be entering the Breeders Cup Classic off three (3) consecutive Group 1 victories, including a big win over older horses in the Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) at York.

It's scary to think this colt might have more upside after a mere seven (7) races.

Forever Young (Japan)

While spending most of his racing career in Japan, Forever Young is no stranger to U.S. racing. After all, he did finish 3rd in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Owned by Susumu Fujita and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the Real Steel colt is lightly raced with plenty of room for improvement. Other than his 3rd in The Derby, he has accumulated a record of 6-6-0-0, including a big win in the rich UAE Derby at Meyden Race Course. He'll be entering the Classic after a docile win in the Japan Classic, the ideal tune-up for the Breeders Cup.

It's hard to separate these three (3) colts, but the answer as to who the winner will be will become clear on November 2.