The international contingent pre-entered for Breeders’ Cup 2024 includes 19 horses from Japan.

Three of the Asian shippers are set to go in the Classic on Saturday at Del Mar.

Kentucky Derby runner-up FOREVER YOUNG is, as expected, drawing plenty of attention, but the other two entered in the Classic are less well-known.

Here’s a brief rundown of the Japan-based runners in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

DERMA SOTOGAKE: Sired by MIND YOUR BICCUITS and trained by Hidetaka Otonashi, he was 6th in last years Kentucky Derby and then 2nd to WHITE ABARRIO in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

In three starts this year, he was 5th in the Saudi Cup (G1) and 6th in the Dubai World Cup (G1). He came back from a layoff break to finish 5th last month in the Nippon TV Hai.

FOREVER YOUNG: This REAL STEEL colt trained by Yoshito Yahagi was 5-for-5, including Wins in the Saudi Derby (G2) and UAE Derby (G2), before finishing 3rd by a nose or two in the Kentucky Derby.

He didn’t compete again until October 2nd, when he Won the Japan Dirt Classic at 1 1/4 miles.

USHBA TESORO: The 6-year-old son of ORFEVRE trained by Noboru Takagi finished 5th in the Classic last year. This year, he has three 2nd place finishes from three starts, the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup and the Nippon TV Hai.

This years Breeders’ Cup Classic is slated as race five (I don’t get it either) on a card of nine with a scheduled Post Time of 5:40 Eastern Time.