The 2024 edition of the Breeders’ Cup is just under a month away, and the betting for some of the biggest races at Del Mar this year is heating up.
It promises to be one of the most significant editions of the two-day meet, with all championship races having a wide open feel to them at this stage.
However, not all superstars making the trip to California can expect to come away with the winning purses. But, how do some of the current favorites in the betting stack up against the competition this year?
Breeders’ Cup Classic- City Of Troy
It is rare to have a race on the schedule that Aidan O’Brien hasn’t won, but this year he brings an extremely exciting contender to the Breeders’ Cup party in the form of City Of Troy.
The son of Justify will run on dirt for the first time at Del Mar, attempting to emulate his sire by landing Grade One success on the surface. Unlike the rest of the field, the three-year-old has been campaigned on the turf this season, disappointing in the G1 2,000 Guineas, before storming to successive wins in the G1 Derby, G1 Coral Eclipse, and G1 Juddmonte International.
We may not have learnt much from his Southwell workout on the all-weather, but the O’Brien colt certainly brings some much-needed star power to the States. Fierceness looked back to his best in the G1 Travers, while Japanese raider Forever Young brings a very interesting profile into the race after previously finishing third in the G1 Kentucky Derby. Check more information here: https://www.twinspires.com/breeders-cup/betting/
Breeders’ Cup Turf- Rebel’s Romance
European trained runners have dominated on the turf in recent editions of the Breeders’ Cup, and that looks set to continue in 2024. However, the Turf has a very wide-open feel about it at this stage.
Rebel’s Romance has been competing across the globe for Charlie Appleby this season, most recently landing Group One success in Germany. Was firmly put in his last on two starts in the U.S. last year after winning the Turf at Keeneland in 2022. Calandagan and Sosie both have big race engagements in Europe before switching their attentions to a potential Breeders’ Cup bid.
Los Angeles is a likely runner for Aidan O’Brien, who won the race in 2023 with Auguste Rodin. But, there is a cloudy complexion to the betting before the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and British Champions Day.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff- Thorpedo Anna
It is somewhat disappointing that Thorpedo Anna drops back in with the girls at the Breeders’ Cup in November after holding her own to push Fierceness all the way to the line in the G1 Travers Stakes. However, her appearance in the Distaff means that she will be among the bankers of the two-day meet for many.
She is unbeaten against her own sex this year, dominating the G1 Kentucky Oaks, G1 Acorn Stakes, and G1 Coaching Club American Oaks before finishing a head second to Fierceness. Bounced back to winning ways in workman-like fashion at Parx to beat Gun Song by a neck in the G1 Cotillion.
Idiomatic was a good winner of the Distaff last year, but her form this season has been patchy to say the least. Currently a 5/1 shot, she could be shortened in the market slightly if bouncing back to winning ways in the G1 Spinster Stakes at Keeneland.
Breeders’ Cup Mile- Porta Fortuna
It could be a historic Breeders’ Cup meet for the O’Brien clan this year, with Aidan sitting just two wins away from tying the all-time trainer record. Donnacha O’Brien could also become the joint-youngest trainer to record a win at the event; alongside another member of the O’Brien family in the form of Joseph.
His leading chance will be a value pick for many this year, as Porta Fortuna has looked a potential superstar in the female division in Europe. The three-year-old was second in the G1 Juvenile Fillies’ Turf last year, and was an excellent second in the G1 1,000 Guineas after a long break.
Since then, she was won three straight Group 1s in Europe, performing on a range of goings. Her win at Royal Ascot over Opera Singer put her on the map, while she showed her excellent battling qualities to best Fallen Angel in the G1 Matron Stakes. Porta Fortuna also holds an entry in the Filly & Mare Turf, but her best performances have come over a mile, and she would be the main chance is taking her chance in the Mile.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile- National Treasure
The Dirt Mile has been all about the heart-warming story surrounding Cody’s Wish in recent years, but in the absence of the two-time champion, a new star will have their platform to perform. National Treasure looks perfectly tailored to the mile distance, finishing a close second in the Dirt Mile last year.
He has won twice from five starts this season, and was narrowly edged out over a slightly longer trip when second to Subsanador in the G1 California Crown. His big moment at the Breeders’ Cup could come in 2024.
