2021 Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar: the runners, the odds, the verdict

The highlight of the two-day Breeders' Cup meeting is the Breeders' Cup Classic, a 1m2f race staged on dirt. It is regarded as the premier thoroughbred race in the US, and has been won by some top American stars over the years. Who will come out on top this year at Del Mar?

12:40am Del Mar Saturday: Breeders' Cup Classic racecard and betting

1 Tripoli

Won course and distance Grade 1 Pacific Classic but the time was relatively ordinary; struggled latest.

Trainer: John Sadler
Jockey: Irad Ortiz
Odds: 25-1

2 Express Train

Has placed in Grade 1 company over this trip; Grade 2 winner here; place claims if all goes well.

Trainer: John Shirreffs
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Odds: 40-1

3 Hot Rod Charlie

Loads of big efforts in top company; clear win in Grade 1 Penn Derby latest; still improving.

Trainer: Doug O'Neill
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Odds: 5-1

4 Essential Quality

Record of eight wins from nine starts. Wins include last season's Breeders' Cup Juvenile, this term's Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes.

Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luis Saez
Odds: 11-4

5 Knicks Go

Brilliant front runner up to 1m1f; won 2020 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile; this extra furlong an unknown.

Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Odds: 9-4 favourite

6 Art Collector

Record of 3-3 when going 1m1f for this trainer, Grade 1 Woodward latest, but this race is way more competitive.

Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Mike Smith
Odds: 9-1

7 Stilleto Boy

Behind Medina Spirit on last two starts, most recently five length second in the 1m1f Awesome Again.

Trainer: Ed Moger
Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Odds: 50-1

8 Medina Spirit

Won the Kentucky Derby and Grade 1 Awesome Again but may struggled to dominate this time.

Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: John Velazquez
Odds: 11-2

9 Max Player

More needed than when winning 1m2f Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga latest.

Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Ricardo Santana
Odds: 8-1

The verdict

This can go to Hot Rod Charlie, who's got speed but doesn't need the early lead, stays and who's improving into a top-class horse.

If you want more on the Breeders' Cup . . .

Stateside stars: the key names set to light up the 2021 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar

'He looks the best bet of the Europeans' – key Breeders' Cup favourites rated

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