This year’s Breeders’ Cup will be the first run at Monmouth Park, the first that will encompass two days, and the first that will include 11 races. Much will be new. But when it comes to the biggest and richest race of the 24th Breeders’ Cup, familiarity is the rule.

Six months ago, the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby included Street Sense, Curlin, Hard Spun, and Any Given Saturday. Since then, each has won at least one major race. Street Sense took the Derby and the Travers, Curlin won the Preakness, Hard Spun captured the King’s Bishop, and Any Given Saturday roared to victory in the Haskell. And now, as championship day draws closer, they are still as prominent as ever. Along with Lawyer Ron, the nation’s best older horse, those 3-year-olds are the leading contenders for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 27. (via Hard Spun News)