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The 41st Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar is poised to be the most internationally diverse renewal yet, with an unprecedented 80 overseas raiders among 212 pre-entries. This historical high surpasses the previous international record of 60 set just last year, with challengers emerging from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America for the first time in the event's history. The surge in international participation reflects the growing global appeal of this prestigious championship, which offers more than US$34 million in purses and awards.
The US$7 million Breeders' Cup Classic has drawn a stellar cast, headed by Fierceness, who stormed to victory in the Gr.1 Travers Stakes. The international challenge is spearheaded by the Japanese trio of Forever Young, Ushba Tesoro, and Derma Sotogake. Forever Young boasts Kentucky Derby form, while Ushba Tesoro claimed the Dubai World Cup before finishing second in this year's renewal. Adding European flair is Irish sensation City of Troy, whose three Group One victories include the prestigious Epsom Derby. The Kentucky-bred son of Triple Crown winner Justify has been meticulously prepared for this international challenge.
APPLEBY'S FORMIDABLE SQUAD Charlie Appleby launches his strongest ever Breeders' Cup team, spearheaded by 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech, who aims to continue the yard's remarkable Mile dominance following Space Blues (2021), Modern Games (2022), and Master Of The Seas (2023). The Mile has been a particular stronghold for European challengers, with historic victories from luminaries such as Goldikova, Karakontie, and Expert Eye.
"Notable Speech is the classiest horse we have probably had go for the Breeders' Cup Mile, but like I said you need that draw. You can be a Classic winner like him, but you need a draw and if you are pitched wide it makes it hard for every horse," Appleby observed. "I was pleased with him after his gallop up here and he has come out of the exercise in good order. We saw he didn't handle the soft ground in France and back on a quicker surface will suit him much better here."
The Godolphin trainer's seven-strong team includes dual Breeders' Cup Turf Challenger Rebel's Romance, who seeks to reclaim his 2022 crown. The 6YO veteran has enjoyed a stellar season, collecting the Dubai Sheema Classic, Champions & Chater Cup, and Preis von Europa. His versatility and consistency make him a formidable contender in what promises to be a highly competitive renewal.
"Rebel's Romance is a horse everybody knows and he will run a good solid race," added Appleby. "He has been rock solid and he has done nothing wrong over the last 12 months. Even his defeat in the King George at Ascot was still a great run. He has then come out and put himself on the same programme as a couple of years ago by then going on to win in Germany."
Appleby's impressive juvenile contingent features Aomori City and Al Qudwa targeting the Juvenile Turf, a race the yard has claimed three times with Outstrip (2013), Line Of Duty (2018), and Modern Games (2022). The trainer remains optimistic about both colts' chances, noting their solid form lines and progressive profiles.
His fillies Cinderella's Dream and Beautiful Love contest the Filly & Mare Turf, while Star Of Mystery seeks to provide the trainer's first Turf Sprint success following her recent Franklin Stakes second at Keeneland. Cinderella's Dream brings strong American form, having already secured two victories stateside.
Four previous Breeders' Cup winners return, including Juddmonte homebred Idiomatic, defending her Distaff crown against a field featuring multiple Grade One winner Thorpedo Anna. The latter has dominated her division with victories in the Gr.1 Kentucky Oaks and three other top-level contests. Big Evs graduates to the Turf Sprint division after last year's Juvenile Turf Sprint triumph, facing a stern test against seasoned sprinters.
Late changes have reshaped several contests, with Meta Max securing a Sprint berth following The Chosen Vron's withdrawal. In the Filly & Mare Turf, Godolphin's progressive Beautiful Love, winner of the Gr.3 Jockey Club Oaks Invitational, gains entry after Running Lion's defection. These late adjustments highlight the competitive nature of gaining a coveted starting position.
"The record number of outstanding international contenders pre-entered this year speaks to the truly global nature of the Breeders' Cup World Championships and is a testament to the connections who have targeted our festival of racing," said Breeders' Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming. "We express our gratitude to the skilled individuals worldwide who provide the exceptional care that allows these remarkable Thoroughbreds to excel at the highest level."
Del Mar hosts the two-day spectacular for the third time, following successful renewals in 2017 and 2021. The programme features five juvenile contests on Future Stars Friday, showcasing racing's emerging talent, followed by nine Championship races on Saturday, culminating in the Classic.
The 49 automatic qualifiers through the Challenge Series span multiple continents, ensuring truly global competition. The sophisticated field selection system ranks contenders based on Challenge race victories, points accumulated, and expert panel assessment, with maximum fields of 14 runners (12 for sprint contests) and up to four reserves for most races.
This year's renewal promises to deliver exceptional racing action, with the unprecedented international participation underlining the Breeders' Cup's status as a truly global championship, bringing together the world's finest Thoroughbreds at the picturesque Del Mar venue.