2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic: 4 Potential Dark Horses for a Big Upset

2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic: 5 Potential Dark Horses for a Big Upset

The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with the world’s top thoroughbreds vying for the prestigious title. While the spotlight often falls on the favorites, seasoned racing fans know the Classic is never short on surprises. 

Over the years, dark horses have stolen the show, proving anything can happen on race day. This year’s lineup features several lesser-known contenders, each poised to defy expectations and shake up the leaderboard. 

Below, we’ll dive into five potential dark horses you should watch out for—each with the potential to deliver a stunning upset in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Sierra Leone 

Sierra Leone has proven himself a strong contender in 2024, making him a possible dark horse for a big upset at this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. 

After a promising start to his racing career, including wins in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1), the colt has consistently finished in the top three in major races, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Despite narrowly missing out on the Kentucky Derby win, Sierra Leone’s performance demonstrated his tenacity and potential.

Trainer Chad Brown has made strategic adjustments, including changing bits and switching riders, to address Sierra Leone’s drifting tendencies, which impacted his previous races. Sierra Leone remains a formidable contender with these improvements and a solid record against fierce competition like Dornoch and Fierceness. 

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His ability to close strong in the final furlongs gives him the potential to surprise in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

For those looking to place Breeders Cup bets, keeping an eye on Sierra Leone as a dark horse could prove rewarding. His consistency and ongoing development suggest he could upset the favorites when it matters most, making him a thrilling contender in the 2024 event.

Newgate

Newgate is the next horse you might want to check out at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classis. After a promising start as a 3-year-old, Newgate was sidelined due to injury, missing the Triple Crown. However, his 4-year-old season has been nothing short of impressive. 

He returned strong, securing second place in two early 2024 races at Santa Anita before winning the prestigious Santa Anita Handicap (G1) under legendary jockey Frankie Dettori.

That victory solidified Newgate’s standing as a top-tier competitor. Although his trip to Dubai for the World Cup didn’t go as planned, Newgate bounced back in the California Crown Stakes, finishing a close third in a race where he narrowly lost to Subsanador. 

Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Newgate’s resilience and racing pedigree make him a formidable contender. With a proven ability to challenge top competition, Newgate can potentially shock the field in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Subsanador (ARG)

Subsanador is currently holding an odds of +1600. He is another contender who has emerged as a potential dark horse in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic. After making waves in Argentina with three Group 1 victories, Subsanador secured his first U.S. win in the Philip H. Iselin Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park. 

Subsandor, trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella and ridden by the iconic Mike Smith, showed his class by defeating a strong field. He continued his winning streak with a Grade 1 victory in the California Crown Stakes at Santa Anita.

This impressive performance earned Subsanador a fees-paid entry into the Breeders’ Cup Classic, setting him up to compete on one of horse racing’s biggest stages. 

Subsandor has a pedigree that traces back to some of racing’s greats, including Fortify and Storm Cat. His international experience and recent U.S. form make him an exciting dark horse for the 2024 Classic. His stamina and determination could surprise the favorites and deliver a thrilling upset on race day.

Ushba Tesoro (JPN)

At age 7, Ushba Tesoro (JPN) is a potential dark horse in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Although older than many of his rivals, Ushba Tesoro’s impressive international resume makes him a serious contender. Originally a turf runner, his switch to dirt has brought out the best in him, with major victories, including the 2023 Dubai World Cup. 

This historic win marked the first time a Japanese horse captured the title on dirt since Victoire Pisa in 2011.

Ushba Tesoro has consistently delivered top performances on the global stage. He finished second in both the 2024 Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup, further solidifying his reputation as one of Japan’s elite racehorses. With over $16 million in earnings, he has become the highest-earning horse in Japanese history.

Although an underdog among the younger competition, his experience, stamina, and ability to perform on the dirt make Ushba Tesoro a formidable dark horse in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Conclusion

The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic is a race full of surprises, with several dark horses ready to challenge the favorites. Sierra Leone, Highland Falls, Newgate, Subsanador, and Ushba Tesoro each bring unique strengths and untapped potential that could lead to an upset. Keep an eye on these contenders for a thrilling and unpredictable race day!