2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic: Favorites, Longshots, and Expert Picks for the $7 Million Race

The 41st edition of the Breeders’ Cup Classic is set to take place on Saturday, November 2, at Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego, California. The event, which boasts a $7 million purse, is one of the most prestigious in horse racing and is considered the fourth leg of the American Grand Slam of thoroughbred racing.

The field includes 14 horses, with City of Troy emerging as the favorite at 5-2 odds. Despite its impressive record, having won six out of seven races, City of Troy has never competed on a dirt track before, which adds an element of uncertainty to its chances.

Other notable contenders include Fierceness, a three-time Grade 1 winner with 3-1 odds, and Forever Young, a Japanese-based horse with 6-1 odds. Fierceness, however, has shown inconsistency, including a disappointing 15th place finish at the Kentucky Derby, which has led some experts to fade him in their predictions.

Three Japanese-based horses – Forever Young, Ushba Tesoro, and Derma Sotogake – are also in the running. Ushba Tesoro, a seven-year-old with extensive racing experience and over $16.4 million in winnings, is particularly intriguing at 12-1 odds.

Expert predictions vary, with Gene Menez completely fading City of Troy in favor of a double-digit longshot. Jody Demling is also fading Fierceness and is high on a double-digit underdog who he believes has a significant chance to spring an upset. Jeff Hochman is backing Next, an 8-1 longshot, and another double-digit longshot that has proven successful at Del Mar.

The post time for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is 5:41 p.m. ET, and the race will be broadcast on the USA Network and available to stream on fuboTV. The event promises to be an exciting day of racing, with a mix of favored horses and potential longshot winners vying for the substantial purse.