Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds, Preview, and Picks (Nov 2)

• Breeders’ Cup Classic headlines the action at Del Mar across Friday and Saturday
• Race is worth $7 million, and the field will cover a distance of 1 ¼ miles

Can history be made at the Breeders’ Cup this year? City Of Troy will have the eyes of the world on him, as the three-year-old bids to make history by winning the Classic on his first start on dirt after winning Group 1 success on the turf in Europe. One of the most anticipated races in recent history is set for Del Mar, and a fascinating Classic is set for 2024.

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How To Watch

• When: Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 5:41 PM ET
• Where: Del Mar, California, USA
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

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Odds

Horse	Odds
City Of Troy	+175
Fierceness	+400
Forever Young	+550
Sierra Leone	+1000
Ushba Tesoro	+1200
Highland Falls	+1400
Next	+1600
Arthur’s Ride	+2000

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Race Preview

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the feature race of the two-day meet at the World Championships of racing, with the field competing over a distance of 1 ¼ miles on the dirt. Legendary horses have claimed victory in the race throughout history, with the roll of honor including the name of American Pharoah, Curlin, and Invasor.

However, we could see something that has never been achieved in 2024. City Of Troy will be aiming to give Aidan O’Brien his first win in the race on his very first start on the dirt.

Getting our first look of City of Troy at @delmarracing! pic.twitter.com/ffjGKF9j7X

— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 29, 2024

Interestingly, the three-year-old is by Triple Crown winner Justify, but all his runs this term have come on the turf. But, he is a proven high-class runner, winning the G1 Derby, G1 Coral Eclipse, and G1 Juddmonte International. If transferring his turf ability onto the dirt, it could be a special evening at Del Mar.

READ More: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Odds, Preview, and Picks (Nov 1)

However, the unknowns that come with City Of Troy mean that there is value elsewhere in the market. Fierceness has been the standout dirt horse in the U.S., winning the G1 Travers and G2 Jim Dandy after bombing out in the G1 Kentucky Derby. Sierra Leone has chased home the rival on the last two occasions, but remains of huge interest.

Forever Young was the fastest horse in the Kentucky Derby but Mystik Dan's ground-saving trip made the difference. pic.twitter.com/w2Lm0y5I20

— Neil Greenberg (@ngreenberg) May 6, 2024

Japan came close to winning the Classic in 2023, and the nation has two leading hopes this year. Ushba Tesoro has been ultra-consistent on track, but Forever Young could be the standout runner.

The three-year-old was arguably the best horse in the Kentucky Derby, but ultimately finished third. He returned with a routine win in Japan last month. Has very little to find on his very best form.

Next has been a winning machine over longer distances, but things could happen a bit too quickly for the six-year-old in the Classic. Highland Falls also appears to lack the pace to get involved.

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Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks

The Classic is all about City Of Troy. If the O’Brien runner takes to dirt, he could be exceptionally special.

But, at the current prices, it isn’t worth the gamble. Forever Young is the selection if able to break quicker from stall one, and he will be doing all his best work late.

At bigger prices, I’m willing to forgive Arthur’s Ride’s latest effort in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. He put up a winning figure in the G1 Whitney that could see him get involved on Saturday.

Free Pick:

• Forever Young
• Arthur’s Ride