In the days leading up to the 41st Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in California, usracing.com is publishing profiles of the horses in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Saturday, Nov. 2. Profiles will be updated following the post-position draw on Monday, Oct. 28.
2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Contender Profile: PYRENEES
Pyrenees just may be a longshot worth an investment. The 4-year-old Into Mischief colt has finished first or second in his last six races over the past year and drew into the Classic field as the first alternate.
Pyrenees. Jim McCue Photo.
After a winless 2-year-old season in 2022, Pyrenees did not race most of 2023 but broke his maiden at the Fair Grounds on Dec. 26. He then won three in a row, capped by the Pimlico Special (G3) in May. He stepped up ran second to Kingsbarns in the Stephen Foster (G1) in June and second to Highland Falls in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) on Sept. 1.
After a 4-furlong breeze in 49.00 at Keeneland on Oct. 26, trainer Cherie DeVaux, said: “He looked great and exited so far in great order. We were making sure everyone is still doing well and is happy. All of the hard work has been done coming up to that.”
Look for Pyrenees to stalk a pace behind the likes of Fierceness, Highland Falls, and City of Troy, and make a late move under Brian Hernandez, Jr.
2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds and Post Positions: Pyreness
Betting advice: Could be a live longshot but will need best effort of his career.
Post Position:30-1
Odds:8
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Owner: Blue Heaven Farm
Career record: 10-4-3-1
Age: 4
Career earnings: $716,316
Last race: Jockey Club Gold Cup (2nd), Saratoga, Sept. 1
Top Equibase speed figure: 108
Pedigree: Into Mischief-Khrysty, by Newfoundland
Color: Bay
Running style: Stalker
Notes: Trainer Cherie DeVaux collected her first two Grade 1 wins – the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup with She Feels Pretty the Derby City Distaff with Vahva, who is set to run in the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) … Brian Hernandez, Jr., has one BC win – in the Classic with Fort Larned in 2012.