DEL MAR, California — City of Troy has been established as the 5-2 morning-line favorite among a competitive group of 14 for the upcoming $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled for Saturday at Del Mar.

This Irish-bred contender will start from the No. 3 position, ridden by Ryan Moore, making his initial appearance on dirt after establishing himself as a formidable racer on grass. City of Troy aims to secure a historic first victory in the Classic for his trainer, Aidan O’Brien, who has previously finished in second place twice during the event’s history.

Following closely is Fierceness, listed as the 3-1 second choice after the post position draw held on Monday. Under the guidance of renowned trainer Todd Pletcher, this colt will begin from the No. 9 post with rider John Velazquez. Fierceness has demonstrated his potential with significant wins in both the Jim Dandy and Travers stakes at Saratoga last summer.

Additionally, the Japanese contender Forever Young, who placed third in the Kentucky Derby, is set to start from the No. 1 position. He recently showcased his capabilities by winning the Japan Dirt Classic near Tokyo despite the challenging starting spot. Forever Young will be guided by Ryusei Saki and is currently pegged at 6-1 odds.

The complete field for the Classic, in order of post positions along with their odds, is as follows: 1) Forever Young, 6-1; 2) Highland Falls, 20-1; 3) City of Troy, 5-2; 4) Mixto, 30-1; 5) Senor Buscador, 30-1; 6) Derma Sotogake, 20-1; 7) Ushba Tesoro, 12-1; 8) Pyrenees, 12-1; 9) Fierceness, 3-1; 10) Tapit Trice, 30-1; 11) Sierra Leone, 12-1; 12) Arthur’s Ride, 15-1; 13) Newgate, 20-1; 14) Next, 8-1.

Fans can catch the action live as the Classic will be broadcast on NBC.

In a remarkable highlight for this year’s event, 80 horses from five different continents—Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America—are set to compete, surpassing the previous record of 60 international participants set in 2023.

The Breeders’ Cup, featuring over $34 million in purses across 14 races, will be held this Friday and Saturday at the picturesque seaside venue north of San Diego. This event marks Del Mar’s third time hosting the championships during its 41-year legacy.