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| Staff Writer |
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The 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic is set to be a showdown of epic proportions, as top contenders from both the East and West Coasts prepare for the US$7 million contest at Del Mar on November 2. Hall of Fame trainers Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert bring their star charges—Fierceness and Newgate—into the fold, with Wathnan Racing's Subsanador also staking his claim after a thrilling victory in the California Crown Stakes.
Fierceness, a 4YO son of City of Light, has emerged as a formidable force in 2024 following two authoritative wins at Saratoga, including the Gr.1Travers Stakes and the Gr.2 Jim Dandy Stakes . Under the guidance of Todd Pletcher, Fierceness has quickly rebounded from a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby to become one of the leading contenders for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Pletcher, known for his meticulous planning, decided to train Fierceness up to the Breeders' Cup, opting to skip a potential prep race to ensure his colt remains fresh. "We’ve stuck to our plan of training up to the Breeders’ Cup,” said Pletcher. “He’s doing so well you are tempted to run him before, but we believe freshness will be key.”
Fierceness has continued to impress in his workouts at Saratoga, and Pletcher is confident that his colt is in top form ahead of the Classic. “He’s doing excellent,” said Pletcher. “We’ll breeze him again this week at Saratoga to keep him ticking over.” The colt’s stablemate, Tapit Trice, is also set to contest the Classic after an impressive victory in the Gr.2 Woodward Stakes , providing Pletcher with a strong hand in the race.
On the West Coast, Bob Baffert is preparing Newgate for a serious tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic. The 4YO, by Into Mischief, recently finished a close third in the Gr.1 California Crown Stakes , a result that has secured his spot in the Del Mar showdown. Newgate, who captured the Gr.1 Santa Anita Handicap in March, has shown resilience and stamina at the 1¼-mile distance, qualities that could prove vital in the Classic.
Tom Ryan, managing partner of SF Racing, was pleased with Newgate’s performance in the California Crown Stakes despite the narrow defeat. “It was a big ask for Newgate,” said Ryan. “He had to go around some serious opposition, and although he didn’t win, he showed he belongs at this level.”
Newgate will be looking to add another Gr.1 title to his résumé, and Baffert's charge could be a force to reckon with as he takes on some of the best horses from both coasts.
Meanwhile, Wathnan Racing has confirmed that their 5YO sensation Subsanador will be heading to the Breeders' Cup Classic after his thrilling victory in the California Crown Stakes. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Subsanador held off a strong challenge in a close finish to secure his first Group One victory on American soil.
Veteran jockey Mike Smith, who guided Subsanador to victory, expressed confidence in the horse’s ability to step up to the 10-furlong distance of the Classic. “He showed he’s got the heart for this kind of race,” said Smith. “Now it’s about seeing how he handles the best of the best at Del Mar.”
Wathnan Racing’s US representative Case Clay confirmed that the team is focused on the Breeders’ Cup. “It was an exciting day, and we are thinking about the Breeders’ Cup now, with the California Crown being a ‘win and you’re in,’” said Clay. Subsanador’s proven ability to compete at the highest level has him poised for a strong showing against an elite field.
The Breeders' Cup Classic has long been a race that showcases the best thoroughbreds from around the world, and this year promises to be no different. Past champions include Flightline (2022), who retired unbeaten and now stands at stud, and Authentic (2020), whose victory in the Classic capped off a remarkable season that also included a Kentucky Derby win.
Flightline, in particular, is remembered as one of the most dominant horses of his generation, while American Pharoah (2015) became a racing legend after adding the Breeders’ Cup Classic to his Triple Crown triumph. Cigar (1995) and Zenyatta (2009) are among the other icons who have etched their names in racing history through the Classic.
The 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic is set to feature international talent as well, with City of Troy, the unbeaten son of Justify, slated to make his American dirt debut under the guidance of legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien. City of Troy has dominated the European scene this season, and his clash with the best of the US contenders will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the race.
City of Troy’s potential rivals include Forever Young, a Kentucky Derby third-place finisher who recently claimed the Japan Dirt Classic. With horses like Fierceness, Newgate, Subsanador, and international stars in the mix, the Breeders' Cup Classic is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and eagerly anticipated races in recent memory.
This year's edition promises to continue the legacy of excellence and global representation that the Breeders' Cup is renowned for, with top-tier contenders from across the racing world vying for one of the sport’s most coveted titles.