Top Thoroughbreds

In 2024, the two-year-old thoroughbred racing division has been exceptionally competitive, with several standout horses already making waves on the track. Here’s a look at the top ten two-year-olds in thoroughbred racing for this year, along with their trainers, earnings, and Beyer Speed Figures—a key performance metric for speed.

1. Fierceness
– Trainer: Todd Pletcher
– Earnings: Over $500,000 in 2024
– Wins: 3, including a notable win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
– Beyer Speed Figure**: Reached 111, demonstrating top-tier speed and stamina, especially over distances like the 1 1/8 mile.

2. Sierra Leone
– Trainer: Bob Baffert
– Earnings: Close to $450,000
– Wins: 2 wins in 2024, both in graded stakes
– Beyer Speed Figure**: 112, marking it as one of the fastest in this division. Sierra Leone shows promise in longer races, excelling in both stamina and acceleration.

3. Arthur’s Ride
– Trainer: Bill Mott
– Earnings: Approximately $400,000
– Wins: 2 major wins this season
– Beyer Speed Figure: 110, proving impressive consistency. Arthur’s Ride has developed rapidly, positioning itself as a top contender for future classic races.

4. Bentornato
– Trainer: Richard Mandella
– Earnings: $350,000 in 2024
– Wins: Multiple graded stakes wins
– Beyer Speed Figure: 102, showing versatility and impressive sprinting ability over distances like 6 to 7 furlongs.

5. Valentine Candy
– Trainer: Steve Asmussen
– Earnings: Approximately $320,000
– Wins: 2 wins in 2024, with one being a significant stakes race
– Beyer Speed Figure: 105, marking solid performance in mid-distance races, particularly effective over seven furlongs.

6. Mindframe
– Trainer: Chad Brown
– Earnings: Around $310,000
– Wins: 2 wins, showcasing agility and pace
– Beyer Speed Figure: 103, indicating strong closing speed, which is especially advantageous in competitive fields.

7. Notable Speech (GB)
– Trainer: John Gosden
– Earnings: Over $300,000
– Wins: Has dominated on turf in Europe and brought its performance stateside with success in a mile race
– Beyer Speed Figure: 103, impressive for a European import transitioning to American tracks, showing adaptability.

8. Forever Young (JPN)
– Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
– Earnings: Nearing $300,000
– Wins: Successful in both Japan and the U.S.
– Beyer Speed Figure: 109, showing notable speed and resilience over long distances. Forever Young is quickly becoming a fan favorite for its international versatility.

9. Domestic Product
– Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
– Earnings: $290,000
– Wins: 2 wins, including a key turf race
– Beyer Speed Figure: 106, marking one of the higher figures for turf races, which has made Domestic Product a formidable competitor in grass races.

10. Jefferson Street
– Trainer: Todd Pletcher
– Earnings: Over $250,000
– Wins: 2 wins in shorter races, displaying sprinting prowess
– Beyer Speed Figure: 102, solidifying Jefferson Street’s ability in fast-paced races and marking it as a potential sprinter to watch in the upcoming seasons.

These two-year-olds not only represent the future of thoroughbred racing but also highlight the importance of trainers’ expertise in developing young talent. Their performances this year set them up as prime contenders for races like the Kentucky Derby and other major stakes in 2025.

There are several more outstanding thoroughbred that could be considered of the list butt these are my Top ten by The Horse Guy. Check out more post like this HERE.

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