Horse Racing Odds: Breeders Cup Classic Contenders

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Breeders’ Cup Classic 2024: Odds and Contenders

As the highly anticipated 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic approaches on November 2 at Del Mar, bettors are closely monitoring the final preparations. 

With just one prep race remaining, outside the U.S. in Japan, the field for North America’s richest race is taking shape. Among the top contenders, Fierceness and Forever Young are emerging as key favorites. In this article, we’ll break down the current   Breeders’ Cup Classic odds, top contenders, and what bettors should consider leading up to the race.

Fierceness: The Horse to Beat  

Trained by Todd Pletcher, Fierceness currently sits at 5-1 odds, making him one of the top picks for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic. After finishing behind Forever Young in the Kentucky Derby, Fierceness bounced back to win the Jim Dandy (G2) and the Travers Stakes (G1). 

With the retirement of Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch, Fierceness is the only 3-year-old male with a 1 1/4-mile dirt victory this year, solidifying his position as a firm favorite. A win at Del Mar could secure him year-end titles such as Champion 3-Year-Old Male and potentially Horse of the Year.

However, bettors following Saratoga betting will recall that Fierceness has lost three times in his career, showing vulnerability despite his five spectacular wins. That said, his best performances have been dominant, and with a proven ability at longer distances, he remains a strong contender.

Forever Young’s Final Test in Japan  

 Forever Young, listed at 6-1 odds, will make his final appearance in Japan’s Dirt Classic before the Breeders Cup Classic. 

After finishing third in the Kentucky Derby, he seeks to regain his winning form. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young has the class to contend with the best, but the upcoming Japan Dirt Classic will be a critical test. If he wins decisively, his odds could improve, but anything less than a dominant performance could affect his chances at Del Mar.

While Forever Young finished ahead of Fierceness in the Derby, his post-Derby performances have left questions. His victory in Japan will be crucial for those considering him in their offtrack betting strategies for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Other Notable Contenders  

In addition to Fierceness and Forever Young, several other horses are worth noting in the current field. 

Ushba Tesoro (8-1), a strong contender from Japan, brings international flair to the race, while City of Troy (8-1) has proven himself on turf at distances up to 1 1/2 miles. Though primarily a turf runner, City of Troy’s class and stamina make him an intriguing option for bettors looking at the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Subsanador (15-1) and Tapit Trice (25-1) improved their odds after recent performances. Subsanador moved up after a strong showing in the Grade 1 California Crown, while Tapit Trice has garnered attention following consistent performances.   

Newgate (40-1) also enters the Breeders’ Cup picture after finishing third in the California Crown, giving him an outside chance at Del Mar.

Betting Insights  

As the horse racing odds shift to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, bettors will want to watch the remaining prep race results and how these affect the field. With   Fierceness and Forever Young at the top of the odds board, there is still potential for movement as final preparations unfold.

The wide range of international talent and proven U.S. contenders makes this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic a highly competitive event. The presence of versatile runners like “City of Troy” and Japan’s Ushba Tesoro adds further intrigue. As the odds settle, value bets may emerge in the mid-odds range, particularly with horses like Subsanador and Tapit Trice.