The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint promises an exciting display of speed and agility from some of the brightest young talent in horse racing. This highly anticipated race is where emerging thoroughbreds take to the turf, competing to secure their place in the spotlight.
With a mix of seasoned favorites and rising stars, this year’s lineup brings a competitive edge that fans won’t want to miss. Below, we’ll introduce you to the top five contenders, providing insights into their racing background and what makes them stand out in this prestigious event.
Shareholder
Shareholder has quickly become a top contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, gaining attention with his impressive European performances. The U.S.-bred colt, sired by Not This Time, was purchased for an impressive €460,000 at the Arqana May Breeze
Up sale in France.
He made an immediate impact by breaking his maiden at Beverly in June, where he was the favorite. Two weeks later, he stunned the racing world with a 12-1 victory at Royal Ascot in the Norfolk Stakes (G2), securing an early entry into the prestigious $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
This early win gave Shareholder a significant advantage, as it was part of the “Win and You’re In” series, guaranteeing him a spot in the Breeders’ Cup.
However, his undefeated streak ended at the Sumbe Prix Morny (G1) in August when he struggled with the longer 6-furlong distance. Despite this setback, Shareholder remains a key contender for the 5-furlong sprint at the Breeders’ Cup.
Fans and bettors are closely watching Shareholder’s journey, and he is expected to draw significant attention to 2024 Breeders Cup bets as the race approaches. With his speed and proven track record, Shareholder could be a strong competitor on race day.
Gate to Wire
Gate to Wire has emerged as a promising contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. This two-year-old colt, out of the Street Cry mare Sansibar Jewel and sired by Munnings, has demonstrated incredible promise thus far in his career.
Trained by the renowned Todd A. Pletcher and owned by Donegal Racing, Gate to Wire was bred in Kentucky by Moyglare Stud Farm LTD.
In his recent races, Gate to Wire captured attention with a notable win at Saratoga in August, securing victory with a strong speed figure of 96 in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race. In early October, he followed this up with a second-place finish in the 6-furlong Futurity
Stakes (G3) at Belmont at Aqueduct, displaying his competitiveness on firm turf.
With a strong pedigree and consistent performances, Gate to Wire is one to watch as he aims for victory in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Smoken Wicked
Smoken Wicked, a Louisiana-bred colt, had an eventful racing season from late spring through summer, competing in various states, including Louisiana, Kentucky, and New York. He made an impressive debut on June 1 at Evangeline Downs, winning by 7 1/2 lengths. Following this success, he moved to trainer Dallas Stewart and entered an open stakes company, finishing second in the Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs despite a challenging trip.
Throughout the summer, Smoken Wicked competed in graded races at Saratoga, placing third in the Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) and fourth in the Hopeful Stakes (G1). Despite showing early speed, he weakened in the final stretches of these races. Most recently, he finished fourth in the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Aqueduct. Bred by Tom Curtis and Wayne Simpson, Smoken Wicked is a son of Bobby’s Wicked One and was purchased for $38,000 by Valene Farms.
Chasing Liberty
Twin Creeks Farm, a prominent Thoroughbred breeding operation, is heading into the 2024 Breeders’ Cup with a strong contender, Chasing Liberty, a homebred by Constitution.
Twin Creeks Racing Stable, founded by Randy Gullatt and Steve Davison in 2007, has a history of success, producing notable horses like Tiz the Law, To Honor and Serve, and Red Rifle. Chasing Liberty, the first foal out of Peaceful, made an impressive debut on July 28, winning a 5 ½-furlong turf race at Ellis Park.
Chasing Liberty secured victory in the National Thoroughbred League Juvenile Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs in his second outing after the original winner was disqualified.
His next race saw him finish strongly in the Indian Summer Stakes at Keeneland, coming from behind to place second. Trained by Rob Atras, who previously saddled Law Professor in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup, Chasing Liberty is poised to make a significant impact in the 2024
Breeders’ Cup.
Coto de Caza (IRE)
Coto de Caza (IRE) has quickly emerged as a top contender for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. This two-year-old filly, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, is owned by Mr. Mohammed Sultan and has shown impressive form in her early races.
Sired by Sioux Nation, she has already claimed multiple victories, including a Group 3 win at Newmarket on October 11, where she triumphed over a field of 11 horses in a 5-furlong sprint on good-to-soft ground.
Coto de Caza has also displayed her talent with a 3rd place finish in a Listed race at Ayr in September and a strong performance at Goodwood in July, where she won by 2 ½ lengths on firm turf.
Her ability to excel in various conditions and her powerful sprinting speed make her a formidable competitor in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, where she is expected to attract significant attention from bettors and racing fans alike.
Conclusion
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint features top young contenders like Shareholder, Gate to Wire, Smoken Wicked, Chasing Liberty, and Coto de Caza. These rising stars have showcased their speed and talent, making this race highly anticipated. Fans and bettors can expect thrilling performances from these exceptional horses.
