The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is one of the most exciting events in horse racing, showcasing the top 2-year-old thoroughbreds as they compete for early glory on the world stage. As the 2024 Breeders’ Cup approaches, anticipation is building around which young stars will emerge as top contenders.
With championship potential and Triple Crown implications, the Juvenile is often a stepping stone to greatness. Below, we’ll highlight the top 5 contenders for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and what makes them stand out as early favorites in this prestigious race.
Getaway Car (USA)
Getaway Car has made a strong impression at Del Mar this summer, winning his debut on July 20 and dominating the Aug. 11 Best Pal Stakes (G3). In his first race, the colt won by 3 1/4 lengths, clocking 5 furlongs in 57.43.
He followed that performance with a 5 1/2-length victory in the Best Pal, running 6 furlongs in 1:10.73. Jockey Juan Hernandez praised the horse’s speed and ability to maintain pace, while Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert noted Getaway Car’s beautiful stride and potential to improve with age.
Bred in Kentucky and purchased for $700,000, Getaway Car is a promising colt sired by two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who famously won the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic. His dam, Surrender Now, also succeeded as a 2-year-old, winning the Landaluce Stakes in 2017.
Owned by elite partners, Getaway Car shows early signs of greatness, leading some to speculate about his future in top-tier races like the Breeders’ Cup. For fans eager to follow his progress, FanDuel Racing offers an exciting platform to keep track of Getaway Car and other emerging stars as they race toward the sport’s most prestigious events.
Shin Forever (JPN)
Shin Forever, a 2-year-old by Complexity, made a strong debut in Japan at Niigata, winning a 1,600-meter turf race on Aug. 3. Despite racing greenly and swapping leads, Shin Forever opened up a commanding lead down the stretch, finishing powerfully under jockey Keita Tosaki.
Trained by Hideyuki Mori and owned by Susumu Fujita, Bret Jones of Airdrie Stud bred Shin Forever in Kentucky. Purchased for $300,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s Spring Sale, he is a half-brother to Camp Hope, a stakes winner at Keeneland.
Complexity, his sire, was a multiple stakes winner, including the 2018 Champagne Stakes and 2020 Kelso Handicap, and had two Breeders’ Cup appearances before retiring to stud at Airdrie.
Sandman (USA)
Sandman is quickly emerging as a promising contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. This talented 2-year-old colt, sired by Tapit out of Distorted Music, has already made a name for himself on the track.
Bred in Kentucky by Lothenbach Stables Inc. and trained by the esteemed Mark E. Casse, Sandman races for a notable partnership that includes D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, CJ Stables and West Point Thoroughbreds.
Sandman debuted with a respectable fifth-place finish at Churchill Downs in June 2024, showing glimpses of potential despite some setbacks.
However, he quickly turned things around in his next start at Saratoga, capturing his maiden victory dominantly on August 10, 2024. Clocking an impressive time of 1:23.62 for seven furlongs on dirt, Sandman posted a strong speed figure of 95, signaling his readiness to compete at a higher level.
As he continues to develop under Casse’s guidance, Sandman’s strong bloodlines and recent performance suggest he could be a serious player in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. With key races ahead, Sandman is one to watch as he gears up for one of the most significant events in juvenile racing.
Owen Almighty (USA)
Owen Almighty, owned by Boardshorts Stables, debuted with a 3 1/2-length win over 5 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs on June 20. He followed this with an impressive 4 3/4-length victory in the 7-furlong Ellis Park Juvenile on Aug. 11, overcoming a rough start and beating Bashford Manor Stakes winner Politicallycorrect.
Trained by Brian Lynch and ridden by Cristian Torres, Owen Almighty finished in 1:24.36. A son of Speightstown, bred by Mark Stanley in Kentucky, Owen Almighty was a $350,000 purchase at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale.
Lynch plans to enter him in the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sept. 14, an essential prep for the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in November. Owen Almighty is on track for a successful second half of 2024.
Ecoro Azel (JPN)
Ecoro Azel, a Kentucky-bred son of Shancelot, made an impressive debut in Japan on July 27, winning a 1,200-meter sprint. Purchased for $215,000 by trainer Hideyuki Mori for owner Masatoshi Haramura, the colt showcased his potential after being bought for just $17,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton October Sale.
Mori often sources American-bred horses due to their affordability, with past successes like Matera Sky, Full Flat, and Jasper Krone competing in the Breeders’ Cup. Ecoro Azel’s dam, Cicada’s Song, was a versatile performer, contributing to his strong pedigree and promising future.
Conclusion
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is shaping into an exciting showdown with talented contenders like Getaway Car, Shin Forever, Sandman, Owen Almighty, and Ecoro Azel. Each colt has shown early promise and carries strong pedigrees, positioning them as leading candidates for juvenile racing glory. As they continue to develop and compete in key prep races, the stage is set for a thrilling battle in one of horse racing’s most prestigious events.
