Breeders' Cup Turf: Key contenders

KEY CONTENDERS

Found, by Galileo

◗ A 4-year-old filly, Found seems to thrive on activity. The BC Turf will be her 10th start of the year. Last year, she had eight starts, ending with a win in the BC Turf at Keeneland.

◗ Ryan Moore rides Found, who is most effective racing from off the pace. The BC Turf will be her eighth consecutive appearance in a Grade 1 or Group 1 race.

Flintshire, by Dansili

Last 3 Beyers: 99-112-105

◗ Flintshire has won 8 of 23 starts and earned $8,909,910, the highest earnings in the field. Prior to joining trainer Chad Brown’s stable, Flintshire won the Grade 1 Sword Dancer and was second in the Arc and Hong Kong Vase in 2015 in his final three starts for Andre Fabre.

◗ This year, Flintshire has been the dominant turf runner in New York despite the recent loss to Ectot in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. He is a danger from well off the pace or from a stalking position.

Ectot, by Hurricane Run

Last 3 Beyers: 106-94-101

◗ Ectot was beaten a nose in an optional claimer at 1 1/2 miles on firm turf at Saratoga on Sept. 4, his second start for trainer Todd Pletcher. He led throughout the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, a tactic he used to win group stakes in Europe in 2013 and 2014.

Highland Reel, by Galileo

◗ The well-traveled Highland Reel has raced in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the United States. He won the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes in his first start in the United States in August 2015.

◗ In July, Highland Reel won the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, benefiting from the absence of the multiple stakes winner Postponed, who was withdrawn several days in advance of the race. In the Arc, Highland Reel stalked the pace and was beaten 1 3/4 lengths by Found.

Da Big Hoss, by Lemon Drop Kid

Last 3 Beyers: 97-100-100

◗ Da Big Hoss has won four consecutive races but has not started in a Group 1 since a sixth in the BC Turf last year. Trained by Mike Maker, Da Big Hoss is in better form this year and must show more improvement to beat this field.

◗ He won the Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 10 in his most recent start.

Mondialiste, by Galileo

Last 2 Beyers: 103-100-NA

◗ Mondialiste was second in the Group 2 York Stakes in England in July prior to winning the Arlington Million at 1 1/4 miles. In the Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland on Oct. 8, Mondialiste closed from eighth in the final furlong to finish 1 1/2 lengths behind Miss Temple City while racing over a distance that is shorter than his ideal trip.

◗ This will be Mondialiste’s first start at 1 1/2 miles.