2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Top 5 Contenders To Watch For
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf is shaping to be one of the most anticipated races of the season, showcasing the finest female turf runners from around the world. Known for its thrilling competition and display of elite talent, this prestigious race highlights endurance, strategy, and heart.
With a prize purse of $2 million that attracts the best of the best, fans and bettors alike are eager to see which contenders will rise to the challenge. In this article, we’ll highlight the top five horses to watch in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Each of these contenders have the potential to leave a lasting mark on this year’s Breeders’ Cup.
Moira
Moira, the 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year, showcased her tenacity by defeating the 2023 Horse of the Year Fev Rover (IRE) in the Beverly D. Stakes (G2) at Colonial Down, earning a spot in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).
She acquired the spot through the “Win and You’re In” series. The 5-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper, who previously finished strongly in the 2022 and 2023 Filly & Mare Turf races, continues to excel. Despite being sold as a broodmare for $3 million, Moira remains under trainer Kevin Attard, reaffirming her talent with a runner-up finish in the Diana Stakes (G1).
Idea Generation (IRE)
Trainer Chad Brown instructed jockey Florent Geroux to set the pace for stablemate McKulick, aiming for victory in the Flower Bowl (G2) at Saratoga on August 31. Geroux executed perfectly, leading 31-1 longshot Idea Generation (IRE) to a wire-to-wire win, marking the 4-year-old filly’s first graded stakes victory.
The daughter of Dubawi (IRE), purchased for $485,808, Idea Generation found success after a class drop. Winless in three 2023 starts, she returned from a nine-month layoff to claim her breakthrough victory on yielding ground, demonstrating her potential in her seventh career race.
Ten Happy Rose (JPN)
In a shocking turn of events, Ten Happy Rose (JPN) pulled off a 208-1 upset in the Victoria Mile (G1) on May 12, earning a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) via the “Win and You’re In” challenge series.
The 6-year-old mare had never won a graded stakes race in 23 previous starts, making the victory all the more surprising for jockey Akihide Tsumura and trainer Daisuke Takayanagi. Ten Happy Rose’s best-graded finish prior was third in the Artemis Stakes (G3) in 2020, and she had struggled in her two 2024 races.
Owned by Yasushi Tenpaku, the daughter of Japan Cup winner Epiphaneia (JPN) had primarily raced at shorter distances, contributing to her longshot status. She can become the second Japanese-bred horse to win the Filly & Mare Turf at the Breeders’ Cup with this win.
Beach Bomb (SAF)
Beach Bomb (SAF) is a promising 4-year-old filly with great potential in her 2024 racing season. Bred by Drakenstein Stud, she is the daughter of Lancaster Bomber and out of the Dynasty mare Beach Beauty. Trained by renowned H. Graham Motion and owned by Cayton Park Stud, Beach Bomb is making a name for herself on the track.
In her recent race at Monmouth Park on August 31, 2024, Beach Bomb placed second in the Violet Stakes, clocking 1:45.34 for the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf. Her impressive performance against tough competition, including the winner, Maman Joon (IRE), highlights her potential for future victories.
With a strong pedigree that includes notable horses like Dynasty and Lancaster Bomber, Beach Bomb’s racing career is one to watch closely. She has the talent and pedigree to continue rising in the ranks, and her next appearance is eagerly anticipated.
Content (IRE)
After six attempts in Grade 1 races, 3-year-old Content (IRE) secured her first top-level victory in the British Champions Series Grade 1 race Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks on August 22, winning by three-quarters of a length.
The Coolmore-bred daughter of Galileo (IRE) earned a spot in the FIlly & Mare Turf via the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” challenge series. Trainer Aidan O’Brien praised her toughness and bravery. Content’s career began in 2023, with a maiden win at the Curragh and a graded stakes victory in the Staffordstown Stud Stakes (G3), highlighting her resilience and progression.
Conclusion
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf promises thrilling competition with elite contenders like Moira, Idea Generation, Ten Happy Roses, Beach Bomb, and Content. These exceptional fillies and mares have showcased resilience, power, and top-level performances, making them key horses to watch in this prestigious race.
