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The 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will once again take place on November 1-2 at Del Mar in California. This prestigious event features 14 Grade 1 Championship races spread over two days, with more than $34 million in prize money at stake.

 

The action kicks off with Future Stars Friday, where five Juvenile races showcase rising talent. Saturday follows with nine more World Championship events, including the highly anticipated $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race that crowns the season’s best on both turf and dirt.

 

In this article, let’s take a closer look at the Florida-bred contenders who are set to make waves at this year’s event.

Arthur’s Ride: A Top Contender in the $7 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic

Arthur’s Ride is a standout contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Known for being sired by the esteemed Tapit and trained by the legendary Bill Mott, he has shown significant promise on the racetrack with several strong performances. His versatility across different track conditions and distances, combined with Mott’s expertise in preparing horses for top-tier events, makes him a formidable competitor in the $7 million Classic.

The Classic is considered one of the most prestigious races in the Breeders’ Cup, and Arthur’s Ride enters with a solid track record and potential. His connections, specifically his owner Glassman Racing LLC and breeders Helen and Joe Barbazon, have high hopes for this talented colt.

Bentornato: A Rising Star in the $2 Million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Bentornato, a sprinter trained by Jose D’Angelo, has shown remarkable potential heading into the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. His explosive speed and consistency have earned him a spot among the top contenders for this prestigious race. Despite being new, sportsbooks like  FanDuel 2024 odds considered him one to watch closely, especially given his recent performances demonstrating his ability to handle pressure in fast-paced races.

Being owned by Leon King Stable Corp. and bred by Tanna Corp., this talented horse is poised to shine on racing’s biggest stage. If he can maintain his form, Bentornato has a genuine chance of securing a victory in this $2 million showdown at Del Mar.

Federal Judge: A Challenger in the $2 Million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Federal Judge has proven to be a formidable sprinter with notable consistency. With four career victories under his belt, he grabbed attention when, on May 7, 2023, he scored a significant win at Churchill DownsIn that race, Federal Judge, ridden by renowned jockey Flavien Prat, claimed victory in a $48,006 Allowance Optional Claiming event, defeating Extra Anejo. This win was not only a significant moment in his career but also highlighted his ability to excel in competitive environments, solidifying his reputation in sprinting circles.

Trained by the highly respected Brad Cox, Federal Judge is owned by WinStar Farm LLC and Siena Farm LLC, two prominent names in the racing industry. With his impressive track record and ability to perform under pressure, Federal Judge enters the Breeders’ Cup Sprint as a serious contender. His racing form suggests he’s ready to take on the best sprinters in the world, making him a horse to watch closely in this high-stakes event.

Gabaldon: A Rising Talent in the $1 Million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint

Gabaldon, a talented two-year-old colt sired by Gone Astray, has quickly made his mark in 2024. Bred in Florida by Carol Ann Reitman, Susan Gannon, and Warren Miller, this colt has shown great promise with wins at Gulfstream Park and the prestigious Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes at Ascot. Trained by Jose Francisco D’Angelo, Gabaldon’s versatility and early success position him as a strong contender in the $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint at the Breeders’ Cup.

In a noteworthy development, Qatar Racing acquired a 50% share in Gabaldon after his impressive performances, further highlighting the colt’s potential. His racing experience in the U.S. and internationally gives him a unique edge as he prepares to face elite competition at Del Mar. Gabaldon’s strong pedigree, combined with his proven ability to compete at top levels, makes him a serious threat in this exciting juvenile race.

Cagliostro: A Strong Contender in the $1 Million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Cagliostro, a four-year-old colt trained by Cherie DeVaux, is making waves as a promising contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Sired by Upstart out of A Rosefor Isabelle, Cagliostro has shown a solid performance in middle-distance races, marking him as a strong competitor. His pedigree and consistent results suggest he’s ready to compete on one of the biggest stages in racing.

This Wathnan Racing-owner horsed has earned respect for his ability to handle the demands of high-level competition. With strong performances in both graded stakes races and less prestigious events, he’s poised to make an impact in the highly competitive Dirt Mile at Del Mar. All eyes will be on him as he faces off against some of the best horses in the world.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Breeders’ Cup is shaping up to be an exciting event, with Florida-bred horses like Arthur’s Ride, Bentornato, Federal Judge, Gabaldon, and Cagliostro ready to compete at the highest level. These talented contenders have shown great potential across various divisions and are well-prepared for the challenge ahead.

 

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