Breeders' Cup Turf: Flintshire needs firm ground to run his best

Flintshire, the 3-year-old colt trained by Andre Fabre, went from being the future-book favorite for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in late summer to finishing a quiet eighth in the big race on Oct. 6 at 12-1.

Blame soft turf for his decline in status and the disappointing performance.

Conditions will be different when Flintshire travels to California for the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 2. The course is expected to be firm, and no rain is forecast for the next week in Southern California.

[BREEDERS’ CUP 2013: See DRF’s top contenders]

“Flintshire needs fast going to show his best,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms.

Flintshire is one of at least three European-based runners expected for the BC Turf. Grandeur, who won the Hollywood Turf Cup at Betfair Hollywood Park last December; and The Fugue, a troubled third in the BC Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita last November; are the other probable starters.

Grandeur won the minor Foundation Stakes at Goodwood, England, on Sept. 25 for trainer Jeremy Noseda. The Fugue, trained by John Gosden, won the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, Ireland, on Sept. 7.

Flintshire has won 3 of 6 starts, all in France this year. He won the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris for 3-year-olds over 1 1/2 miles on good turf at Longchamp in July to gain favorite’s status for the Arc.

Flintshire finished fourth on soft turf in the Group 2 Prix Niel on Sept. 15 and was beaten 12 lengths by the brilliant 3-year-old filly Treve in the Arc.

A full list of contenders for the BC Turf will be known after Monday’s pre-entry stage. The domestic team includes Little Mike and Point of Entry, who were first and second last year; as well as Indy Point, winner of the John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita on Sept. 29.