Breeders' Cup Turf analysis

Mike Watchmaker

TELESCOPE so impressed in winning the Hardwicke three starts back that he was favored in the subsequent King George VI and Queen Elizabeth over, among others, Magician. Telescope was a fine second in that race and has targeted this since his third to Australia in the Juddmonte International in August. With Michael Stoute training, he is in top hands; gets the money. MAIN SEQUENCE ’s back European form is no match for the Euro shippers here, but his U.S. form this year is solid: three straight Grade 1 wins by photos. He should not be underestimated. FLINTSHIRE was second in the Arc but failed twice at odds-on before that; hasn’t won in 16 months. BROWN PANTHER missed his scheduled target of the Canadian International, and I don’t like that. However, a big win in his last gives him a shot.

Byron King

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FLINTSHIRE enters the Turf following a runner-up finish in the 20-horse Arc de Triomphe, the classiest and most prestigious race for stayers in Europe. Although winless in four starts this year, he likes firm ground – conditions he should get at Santa Anita. Expect him to drift up from his 7-2 morning line, likely to around 5-1, and at that price, he would warrant a bet. TELESCOPE , on the board in all 10 starts and first or second in nine of those, probably goes favored. He has established excellent form in top-class company overseas, and he produces his ‘A’ race more often than Flintshire. In terms of longshots, TWILIGHT ECLIPSE holds the most appeal, having run competitively against MAIN SEQUENCE , America’s top distance turfer, and is drawn favorably in post 2.

: Main Sequence tries to topple Europeans

Brad Free

European imports hold the advantage in the Turf. TELESCOPE has had an outstanding season even while winning just one. Third last out behind the mighty Australia, runner-up two back behind super mare Taghrooda, Telescope previously won a Group 2 by daylight. Lasix on for his U.S. debut.

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FLINTSHIRE also arrives from Europe in outstanding form, runner-up last out in the Arc de Tromphe. Though he has not won since summer 2013, he has been banging heads with Group 1 company much of his career while finishing first or second in 7 of 10. CHICQUITA could have gone in the Filly and Mare Turf, but shows up instead in the 1 1/2-mile event against males. Firm ground should be to the liking of the Irish Oaks winner. BROWN PANTHER got loose and scratched from the Canadian International two weeks ago. The 10-for-24 English-bred was favored based on his recent Group 1 blowout in Ireland. MAIN SEQUENCE is the best U.S.-based runner. He is 3 for 3 in the U.S., all by a neck or less. If he is in a dogfight in the lane, he won't go down easily.