Breeders' Cup Classic 2024 betting guide, post-draw, odds, start time: tips, predictions from the best experts

Created in 1984 to add a major fall event to the horse racing schedule, the Breeders' Cup Classic has grown in popularity. It is now generally considered the fourth leg of the American Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. The 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic takes place Saturday at Del Mar Racetrack and the $7 million purse is the largest in North America. American Pharoah is the only horse in history to win the Grand Slam, and his trainer Bob Baffert has four Breeders' Cup Classic victories to his credit. On Saturday, Baffert will have one entry, Newgate, the Santa Anita Handicap winner and a 20-1 longshot in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic odds.

The 14-strong field for the Breeders' Cup Classic also includes City of Troy (5-2), Fierceness (3-1) and Forever Young (6-1). The release time is set for 5:41 p.m. ET. If you're looking for 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic tips, expert predictions or the latest information, SportsLine brings you tips and analysis from a team of proven horse racing experts.

Expert tips for the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic

SportsLine has three seasoned horse racing experts committed to the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic. Here is a preview of each:

Gene Meneza former reporter, editor and Triple Crown handicapper for Sports Illustrated, pinned last year's Preakness winner, National Treasure. He also gave Mystik Dan a live longshot in the Kentucky Derby at 18-1. Menez is for Saturday completely weakening City of Troy, even though he is the 5:2 favorite. Instead, he's betting on a double-digit longshot who's “ready to roll.” Get Menez's complete Breeders' Cup Classic betting strategy at SportsLine.

Jody Demlingwho secured Flightline's victory in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic, captured the winner, trifecta and superfecta in the 2023 Preakness Stakes and has also achieved the Derby Oaks double in 11 of the last 16 years, Is fading three-time Class 1 winner Fierceness (3-1), one of the top favorites to recently win the Travers Stakes. He's also high on a double-digit underdog who “has a great chance to make a splash.” Find Demling's complete betting strategy for the Breeders' Cup Classic at SportsLine.

Jeff Hochmanwho has won in 22 of the last 36 Triple Crown races, is high on Next, despite being an 8-1 fullback. He's also a double-digit longshot who has already proven he can win in Del Mar. Find Hochman's complete betting strategy for the Breeders' Cup Classic at SportsLine.

What you should know about the 41st Breeders' Cup Classic

• What: 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic
• Where: Del Mar Race Track in San Diego, California.
• Wallet: 7 million dollars
• Distance: 1 1/4 miles
• Post time: 5:41 p.m. ET
• Network: NBC
• Weather forecast: Overcast with possible rain; Maximum temperature of 66 degrees
• Expert tips: Get expert picks for the 2024 Breeders' Cup at SportsLine

2024 Breeders' Cup Classic odds, horses

City of Troy 5-2
Wildness 3-1
Forever Young 6-1
Next 8-1
Sierra Leone 12-1
Ushba Tesoro 12-1
Arthur's Ride 15-1
Derma Sotogake 20-1
Highland Falls 20-1
Newgate 20-1
Mixto 30-1
Senor Buscador 30-1
Pyrenees 30-1
Tapit Trice 30-1

See here which horses in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic offer the best value for money.

After the 2024 Breeders' Cup Classic draw

1 Forever young
2 Highland Falls
3 City of Troy
4 Mixto
5 Senor Buscador
6 Derma Sotogake
7 Ushba Tesoro
8 Pyrenees
9 Wildness
10 Tapit Trice
11 Sierra Leone
12 Arthur's Ride
13 Newgate
14 Next

See here which horse could cause a huge surprise.