The 2024 Breeders’ Cup brings an exciting lineup of contenders to watch, with 21 top horses competing across two days of action on Saturday and Sunday.
Horse racing enthusiasts looking to analyze the horse racing odds and track the horse racing schedule can expect thrilling matchups in each race. Below is a detailed overview of the standout horses across key Breeders’ Cup events.
Saturday Breeders’ Cup Races
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
In the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Ways and Means leads the morning line after winning three straight, including the Test (G1) and Gallant Bloom (G2). However, Vahva is another strong contender, having previously won the Derby City Distaff (G1) and Chicago (G3). She finished third in the Ballerina Handicap (G1) despite a disadvantageous inside trip, which makes her a live threat here.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint features Cogburn as the likely favorite. His undefeated record this year includes a dominant 3 1/2-length victory in the Jaipur (G1), where he set a North American record over 5 1/2 furlongs in 59.80 seconds. Another Turf Sprint contender, Star of Mystery, recently placed second in the Franklin (G2) after winning the Quick Call (G3), and could be set to improve in her second start after a three-month layoff.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff
In the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Thorpedo Anna is a formidable opponent with four Grade 1 wins this year. She was narrowly beaten in the Travers (G1) after finding herself in traffic but enters this race as a 4-5 favorite. A victory here could even put her in contention for Horse of the Year honors.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
The Breeders’ Cup Classic presents an interesting field of watch-list members. Fierceness, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion, narrowly defeated Thorpedo Anna in the Travers and will face off against formidable rivals. Forever Young, fresh off a win in the Japan Dirt Classic after a five-month layoff, returns to the U.S. and is considered a strong competitor.
Highland Falls is an intriguing 20-1 long shot after a dominant four-length win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). Arthur’s Ride, inconsistent but brilliant on his best day, showcased his ability with a wire-to-wire victory in the Whitney (G1) and a 110 Beyer Speed Figure. Another Classic entry, Next, brings strong credentials as a marathon standout but will need to prove he can handle the shorter distance.
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf could be an ideal setting for War Like Goddess, a stretch runner who rarely benefits from favorable pace scenarios. This race’s full field may finally give her a chance to chase a faster tempo and claim her first Breeders’ Cup win. Moira, third in this event last year, also brings experience and is expected to improve if she gets a better setup. However, the talented 3-year-old Cinderella’s Dream, who has won the Belmont Oaks (G1) and Saratoga Oaks (G2), poses a significant challenge.
Breeders’ Cup Sprint
In the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Federal Judge is a top contender after a 5 1/2-length win in the Phoenix (G2), aided by a rail bias. He’s expected to put in a strong performance here. Raging Torrent, another Sprint entry, recently defeated Grade 1 winner The Chosen Vron in the Pat O’Brien (G2), while Straight No Chaser claimed an impressive 6 1/4-length victory in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), making him another challenger to watch.
Breeders’ Cup Mile
The Mile is a highly anticipated showdown where Carl Spackler is the top U.S. hopeful, having recently won both the Fourstardave Handicap (G1) and Coolmore Turf Mile (G1). More Than Looks, a close runner-up in those races, has demonstrated a strong closing kick and could be a threat if he finds the right trip. Among the fillies, Chili Flag has excelled at this distance, winning the Just a Game (G1) and placing second in the Diana (G1), making her a contender to consider.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
The Dirt Mile is well-suited for Saudi Crown, who finished tenth in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic but should find this shorter distance to his liking. He previously nearly won the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and has excelled in similar races. Muth, who had an unexpected poor finish in the California Crown (G1), is another contender, having previously won three stakes races, including the Arkansas Derby (G1) over future Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan.
Sunday Belmont at the Big A Races
Belmont at the Big A, Race 6
In Sunday’s Belmont at the Big A, race 6, Nic’s Style stands out as the top choice after finishing second to Ways and Means in the Gallant Bloom. She drops in class here, making her a strong favorite in the seven-furlong Pumpkin Pie.
Belmont at the Big A, Race 8
Belmont at the Big A, race 8 features Tuscan Sky, who struggled in the Haskell (G1) but previously showed impressive form with a 6 3/4-length victory in the Pegasus at Monmouth Park. He returns from a layoff and will contend in the 1 1/8-mile Discovery, where he could be a serious player if he runs to his best form.
This packed lineup across two days of action promises excitement for horse racing fans and bettors. With so many top competitors, the 2024 Breeders’ Cup will be an event to remember.
