Key contenders for Breeders' Cup Turf

GOLDEN HORN (No Beyers)
• Had this been a dry week, he would be a cinch, but all the rain and the wet turf could leave the English Derby and Arc winner slightly vulnerable, as he does his best work on firm ground. We have been through the superficially poor record of Arc winners in Breeders’ Cup races, and don’t think he’s going to get beat because he’s over the top. Post 1 is a slight concern, but Frankie Dettori thinks rabbit Shining Copper will spread the field enough to afford room to operate. He’s easily the best horse in this race but on soft ground is worth trying to beat, though not totally opposing.

THE PIZZA MAN (Last 3 Beyers: 103-103-92)
• The 6-year-old might still be getting better, strange to say. Considering that he won the American St. Leger over nearly 1 3/4 miles, the 1 1/4-mile Arlington Million might have been on the short side of his distance preference. And if that’s true, how about the mile trip at which he nearly rallied to win a Grade 1 over this course last out? His rider, Florent Geroux, called that race The Pizza Man’s final work for the BC Turf. He doesn’t mind soft turf at all. The problem is that he’s been getting hammered at the betting windows recently.

FOUND (No Beyers)
• She is very, very good, handles soft ground, and has not been badly beaten by Golden Horn, but her busy fall schedule makes one wonder if she can possibly bring her best. Raced Sept. 12, Oct. 4, and Oct. 17 in three different countries, all in Group 1’s, and now a trip to the U.S. Very demanding. Probably prefers 1 1/4 miles over 1 1/2 miles.

BIG BLUE KITTEN (Last 3 Beyers: 106-103-105)
• Admirable beast digs in, tries hard, and has long been at or near the top of the U.S. 12-furlong turf division – for whatever that’s worth. Has a pacemaker here who did his job well last out. The concern is that his lone previous BC Turf try produced a subpar performance. He doesn’t mind wet going at all. Needs racing luck while coming from behind. Moves on the turn.

TWILIGHT ECLIPSE (Last 3 Beyers: 105-102-102)
• Sixth in 2013 and third last year in the Turf. He’s really about the same quality-wise as Big Blue Kitten, but where that horse has gotten up several times in big races, this one always seems to encounter compromising trouble. Limited chances on turf with more give than firm, but from the superficial appearance of things, soft ground would be a negative.