The Breeders’ Cup Classic has long been one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in horse racing, drawing the world’s best talent to compete on the global stage. While American horses often take center stage, international contenders have increasingly become forces to be reckoned with, bringing their unique styles and strategies to the race.
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is no different, as top-tier horses from around the globe are set to descend on Del Mar in pursuit of victory. These international challengers promise to add depth and excitement to the race, showcasing their speed, stamina, and versatility.
Below, let’s get to know some of the most compelling international horses to watch as they take on the best from the U.S. in this thrilling showdown.
Forever Young (JPN)
The first international contender running on the Breeders Cup 2024 Classic is Forever Young from Japan. Bred by Northern Farm, Forever Young was purchased as a yearling for 107.8 million yen (approximately $780,000) at the 2022 Japan Select Sale. He is owned by Susumu Fujita and trained by internationally acclaimed horseman Yoshito Yahagi.
Forever Young hails from the second crop of Real Steel, a winner of the Dubai Turf (G1) and full brother to 2021 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) champion, Loves Only You. His dam, Forever Darling, is by Congrats and the granddaughter of Darling My Darling, the second dam of Sierra Leone, another strong contender for the 2024 Derby.
Forever Young has improved throughout his career as the race distances have lengthened. His sire excelled at 1 1/8 miles on turf and placed up to 1 7/8 miles in Group 1 events. His dam, being by a son of the stamina-influencing A.P. Indy, offers promising potential for success over 1 1/4 miles.
City Of Troy (IRE)
City Of Troy, a 2021 U.S.-born thoroughbred, is sired by Justify, a 2015 Triple Crown winner, and out of Together Forever, a mare from the esteemed Galileo line.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and co-owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith, City Of Troy has won five out of six career starts, boasting an 83% win rate. His victories span various distances, and he has earned over $3 million across multiple countries.
With exceptional bloodlines and impressive performances, City Of Troy has emerged as a rising star in thoroughbred racing.
Ushba Tesoro (JPN)
Ushba Tesoro, a Japanese thoroughbred born from Chiyoda Farm Shizunai, is emerging as a strong contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup.
Sired by Orfevre (JPN), a multiple Group 1 winner from the Stay Gold bloodline, and out of Millefeui Attach (JPN), a mare sired by King Kamehameha (JPN), Ushba Tesoro carries an impressive pedigree that speaks to both stamina and speed.
Trained by the renowned Takagi Noboru, Ushba Tesoro is in the hands of one of Japan’s finest horsemen, ensuring top-level preparation. Jockey Kawada Yuga, known for his skill and strategic riding, will guide the horse through what could be a career-defining race.
Owned by Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings Co. Ltd, Ushba Tesoro is positioned to significantly impact the Breeders’ Cup, representing Japan’s growing influence in international racing. With strong connections and a powerful lineage, Ushba Tesoro is one to watch closely.
Facteur Cheval (FR)
Facteur Cheval, a 5-year-old gelding owned by Gary Barber and Team Valor International, is being considered for the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on dirt at Del Mar on Nov. 2.
Victorious in the Dubai Turf (G1) in March, Facteur Cheval has since placed third in the Sussex Stakes (G1) at Goodwood and sixth in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, both on turf.
Though bred for grass, Facteur Cheval, by Ribchester out of a Shamardal mare, is seen by Team Valor’s Barry Irwin as having the size and appearance of an American dirt horse.
Facteur Cheval’s grinding racing style and his ability to stay 1 1/8 miles, as demonstrated in the Dubai Turf, make him a potential candidate for the 1 1/4-mile Breeders’ Cup Classic. Encouragingly, a dirt workout at Meydan showed promise in transitioning to the main track.
Derma Sotogake (JPN)
Derma Sotogake, a 4-year-old Japanese-bred horse, has followed a similar path to Japan’s Forever Young, excelling in the Middle East before competing in major U.S. races like the Kentucky Derby. After a successful 2022 season in Japan, he placed third in the 2023 Saudi Derby (G3) and won the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai.
He later finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby before returning from a six-month break to place second in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). In 2024, Derma Sotogake continued competing against top international horses, placing fifth in the Saudi Cup (G1) and sixth in the Dubai World Cup (G1).
With rest in the first half of 2024, his sights are set on the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. With strong international performances and a pedigree linked to the American runner Mind Your Biscuits, Derma Sotogake is poised for another strong showing at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Conclusion
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic promises an exciting showdown between top-tier international horses and American contenders.
The global field adds intrigue and depth with competitors like Forever Young, City of Troy, Ushba Tesoro, Facteur Cheval, and Derma Sotogake. Each horse brings unique qualities, from speed and stamina to versatile pedigrees, ensuring a thrilling race.
