The 2024 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar is just days away, and the final qualifying races have shaken up the field in interesting ways.
This past weekend’s British Champions Day at Ascot brought an end to the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, offering up two final “Win and You’re In” berths for the Breeders’ Cup. These final races have helped shape the horse racing odds for the upcoming event.
In the British Champions Fillies & Mares (G1), Kalpana, an improving three-year-old filly, pulled away from her rivals to secure a win by two lengths. She completed the 1 1/2 mile race in 2:29.57 over soft turf. Kalpana’s victory solidified her place in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), a race that now has even more intrigue with her continued momentum.
In a surprising turn of events, the Champion Stakes (G1) went to Anmaat, who defied his 38-1 odds by overcoming significant traffic issues in the homestretch. After spending much of the race in fifth position and struggling to find room, Anmaat made a late charge to defeat the favored Calandagan by half a length, clocking 2:08.96 for the 1 1/4-mile race.
Anmaat’s win earned him a place in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), adding another international competitor to the mix. With these results, the horse racing schedule for November 2 at Del Mar is filling up with plenty of potential surprises.
U.S. Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders Post Impressive Workouts
While international stars are securing their spots, several U.S.-based contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) have been sharpening their form in recent workouts. Notable among them are Highland Falls, Newgate, Next, and Senor Buscador, all of whom have posted fast exercises in preparation for the big event.
Highland Falls, who won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), posted a bullet five-furlong workout at Churchill Downs, clocking in at 1:00.00. Meanwhile, Newgate, the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner, recorded a bullet workout at Santa Anita with a time of :59 1/5 for five furlongs.
Marathon specialist Next, still undecided between the Classic or the Turf, posted a strong workout at Turfway Park, confirming his readiness for either race. Senor Buscador, fresh off his Saudi Cup (G1) win, turned in a bullet five-furlong workout at Santa Anita in 1:00.00, ensuring he remains in top form ahead of the Classic.
Other notable workouts include Arthur’s Ride at Saratoga, Fierceness at Saratoga, and Tapit Trice at Belmont. These performances suggest a highly competitive Classic field, though there are still decisions to be made regarding some horses’ final race selections. Skippylongstocking, for example, is more likely to aim for the Dirt Mile (G1), where he finished third last year.
Breeders’ Cup Pre-Entries and the Road Ahead
The field for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup is not yet set in stone, with pre-entries closing today and official announcements to be made on Wednesday at noon ET. The horse racing odds will likely shift once the final contenders are confirmed, so bettors should stay tuned.
The pre-entries will be broadcast live on BreedersCup.com and across the event’s social media platforms, offering fans and bettors alike a chance to see how the competition stacks up.
