Key contenders in the 2017 Breeders' Cup Turf

Key contenders in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Highland Reel, by Galileo

* The winner of this race in 2016, Highland Reel won consecutive Group 1 races in England in June, but has been beaten in his last two starts.

* Highland Reel was third by 7 1/4 lengths in the Group 1 Champion Stakes on Oct. 21 at Ascot, but the soft turf was probably not to his liking.

* He has performed much better on firm turf, conditions that should be present Saturday.

* Highland Reel will be near the front.

Ulysses, by Galileo

* Fourth in the 2016 BC Turf, Ulysses has won two Group 1 races in Europe this year at 1 1/4 miles on turf.

* In his last start, Ulysses was third in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly on Oct. 1 on soft turf.

* Ulysses, who tends to run near the pace, is better on faster turf.

:: BREEDERS’ CUP 2017: Fields, odds, comments, and more

Beach Patrol, by Lemon Drop Kid
Last 3 Beyers: 109-101-100

* The leading American hope, Beach Patrol won consecutive Grade 1 races in the Arlington Million and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic in his last two starts.

* He is proven at 1 1/2 miles and will be a danger from just off the pace.

Bigger Picture, by Badge of Silver
Last 3 Beyers: 104-104-103

* Slightly underrated, Bigger Picture won the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park in July before two close losses at Saratoga – a second by a neck in the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes and a third by a half-length in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes.

* Bigger Picture is expected to race from off the pace.

:: Breeders' Cup PPs, Clocker Reports, and more

Decorated Knight, by Galileo

* Decorated Knight won two Group 1 races at 1 1/4 miles on turf in England and Ireland this year.

* The BC Turf will be his first start at 1 1/2 miles, and a test.

* Decorated Knight finished behind top BC Turf contenders Highland Reel and Ulysses in three consecutive group races in England during the summer.