The Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled for November 2, 2024, at Del Mar, stands as the pinnacle of the horse racing schedule. With top contenders competing over 1 1/4 miles for a $7 million prize, we’ll explore the horse racing odds and dive into each jockey’s expertise, where skill and strategy may define the race’s outcome.
Flavien Prat, a celebrated French-American jockey, will bring his wealth of experience to the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Sierra Leone, one of this season’s breakout 3-year-olds. Prat has developed a reputation as one of the most versatile and strategic jockeys in American racing, having transitioned from a successful European career to major victories in the United States, including two Kentucky Derby wins.
His exceptional control over pacing and his ability to adapt to mid-race dynamics make him a powerful contender in high-stakes races like the Breeders’ Cup.
Sierra Leone has built an impressive record this season, capturing attention with a near-miss in the Kentucky Derby, where he finished second in a photo finish, and a solid third in the Belmont Stakes. This colt has demonstrated notable resilience and stamina, especially in long-distance races, making him an ideal candidate for the Classic’s 1 1/4-mile challenge.
Sierra Leone’s racing style involves a strong closing kick, often staying just off the pace early on and advancing gradually to secure a final surge down the stretch.
Breeders’ Cup Strategic Approach
Prat’s skill in positioning and maintaining his horse’s stamina will be essential to Sierra Leone’s success. Given the horse’s tendency to drift, especially in the final stages of longer races, Prat will likely focus on conserving energy in the first half of the Classic, allowing Sierra Leone to settle into a steady rhythm while keeping an eye on the frontrunners.
As they approach the last quarter, Prat’s goal will be to maneuver Sierra Leone into an ideal lane for a final push, capitalizing on his powerful closing speed while avoiding any early exertion that might hinder their endurance.
The combination of Prat’s tactical control and Sierra Leone’s endurance positions them as a formidable team in the Classic, especially given the colt’s demonstrated ability to compete with elite 3-year-olds. This duo will aim to avoid crowding in the tight turns at Del Mar, keeping an optimal distance before launching their decisive sprint in the final stretch. With Prat’s precision guiding Sierra Leone’s raw power, they have a solid chance at securing a top finish.
