As the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic approaches, all eyes are on the leading contenders battling for supremacy. Fierceness is at the forefront of the race, maintaining a firm grip on the top spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic rankings for several weeks. His dominant performances, notably his thrilling win in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes, have solidified him as the horse to beat. Let’s take a look at the top five horses in the current rankings and how they stack up heading into the highly anticipated event.
Fierceness: The One to Beat
Fierceness, trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Repole Stables, has been impressive this season. Following his commanding victory in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga, Fierceness claimed the top spot in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic rankings and hasn’t budged. This 3-year-old colt, who was the 2023 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion and the Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male, continues to impress with his tactical speed and stamina.
Fierceness is a standout because of his ability to close races with authority. His Travers Stakes win, where he overtook several highly regarded contenders, showcased his resilience and fighting spirit. With these attributes, Fierceness has earned his position as the top-ranked horse, making him a favorite for the Classic title.
City of Troy: The European Star
Hot on the heels of Fierceness is City of Troy, a European standout trained by the legendary Aidan O’Brien. This 3-year-old colt, who comes from an impressive pedigree as the son of Justify, is renowned for his versatility and endurance. He has notched victories in prestigious events like the Betfred Derby and the Juddmonte International Stakes. His international success has earned him high praise and a solid spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic rankings.
City of Troy’s ability to adapt to different racing conditions makes him a formidable opponent. His power, consistent form, and elite training under O’Brien make him a real contender to challenge Fierceness for the title.
Forever Young: Japan’s Hopeful
Representing Japan, Forever Young sits in third place and continues to be a force to reckon with. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, this horse has impressed on the international stage, notably with a win in the Group 2 UAE Derby and a strong third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Forever Young’s versatility and resilience are evident in his ability to perform on dirt and turf, a skill that has earned him recognition as a global contender.
Forever Young’s presence in the Breeders’ Cup Classic lineup highlights the increasing influence of Japanese horses in global racing. He remains a significant threat to the American and European challengers with a string of notable victories.
Dornoch: A Rising Star
Dornoch, the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes winner and the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, has shot up the rankings to claim the fourth spot. Trained by Danny Gargan, Dornoch’s rise has been meteoric, thanks to his back-to-back wins in two of the most prestigious 3-year-old races in the U.S.
What sets Dornoch apart is his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. His win in the Belmont Stakes, a grueling race that tests a horse’s stamina, proved his capacity to compete in longer races. As the Breeders’ Cup Classic draws near, Dornoch’s momentum makes him a horse to watch closely.
Sierra Leone: A Steady Performer
Sierra Leone, another promising 3-year-old trained by Chad Brown, ranks out the top five. Sierra Leone has been a steady performer throughout the season, finishing third in the Travers Stakes and second in the Kentucky Derby. His impressive consistency has kept him in the conversation as a top contender.
Though he hasn’t secured as many marquee wins as others on this list, Sierra Leone’s resilience and ability to compete at the highest levels make him a horse that could surprise many on race day.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re looking to go into Breeders Cup betting by doing some research, you’ll know that there are several other horses that are vying for recognition in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, including Highland Falls, a 4-year-old trained by Brad Cox, and Arthur’s Ride, trained by Bill Mott. Both horses have had a solid season and are poised to challenge the top five contenders if they continue to perform well leading up to the event.
Additionally, Ushba Tesoro from Japan, a 7-year-old with several international wins, remains a dark horse in the race. His second-place finishes in both the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup have kept him in the rankings, and his experience could prove valuable on race day.
Final Words
As the Breeders’ Cup Classic approaches, the competition among these top-ranked horses is expected to intensify. Fierceness remains the clear favorite with his dominant performances, but the City of Troy, Forever Young, and Dornoch are closing the gap. These horses bring unique strengths: international experience, adaptability, and raw speed.
With the global nature of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, fans can expect to witness an exciting showdown between some of the finest horses from the U.S., Europe, and Japan. As race day draws closer, the rankings may shift, but one thing is certain: Fierceness remains the horse to beat.
