Behkabad better than his last race indicates

The entry of Workforce and Behkabad enrich what had appeared to be a lackluster Turf two weeks ago. Although a final decision about the participation of Arc winner Workforce will not be made until after the weekend, he rates the favorite’s chance at Churchill.

At this stage, however, the preference is for Behkabad. The winner of the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris and Group 2 Prix Niel over the Arc course at the Turf distance of 1 1/2 miles, he had a terrible trip when fourth in the Arc. Blocked twice, Behkabad would have been much closer with a clear run. He has tracking speed and is bred to stay 12 furlongs on both sides.

Fifth in the Arc on soft ground he didn’t appreciate, Fame and Glory will do better on a sound surface, his Arc run looking very much like a Turf prep. Sans Frontieres is only a possibility for the Turf, which is an afterthought after his Melbourne Cup plans were scrapped. One of the most improved horses in England this year, he has won three in a row, two at the Turf distance.

Despite being caught late by Winchester in the Turf Classic on yielding ground that was probably closer to soft, Paddy O’Prado is still the pick of the Americans, especially on good ground or better. Redwood is the likely favorite in Saturday’s Canadian International and moves up with a win there, but perhaps out of the picture with a loss. Bourbon Bay should improve for his Clement Hirsch third over an inadequate 1 1/4 miles off a six-month absence but has never faced the likes of the top three. Arlington Million winner Debussy is 0 for 3 going 12 furlongs and will be running off an 11-week layoff. Champ Pegasus seems to improve with each outing. Lightly raced, he could be the Turf wild card.