BC Turf

BREEDERS’
CUP PREVIEWS

The $2 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) has showcased some of
Europe’s best horses over the last 20 years, but only one has
shipped to Lone Star Park in 2004, POWERSCOURT (GB) (Sadler’s
Wells). We certainly respect both his ability and trainer, Aidan
O’Brien, but we’ll tab MAGISTRETTI (Diesis [GB]) for top honors.

The four-year-old colt was based in England until coming to
the United States for the Arlington Million (G1) and was
transferred to conditioner Patrick Biancone following a
commendable third (placed second via DQ) at Arlington Park.
Magistretti made his next start in the 1 3/8-mile Man o’ War S. (G1)
and displayed a tremendous turn of foot to close for a 1 1/4-length
score, earning a 120 BRIS Late Pace rating for his fast finish.
In the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. (G1) last out, he
inexplicably found himself on the early lead and lacked his
normal punch in upper stretch. Throw that effort out. There is
more speed present here and Magistretti should be much more
formidable. He can handle any kind of footing and has big-event rider Edgar Prado up.

KITTEN’S JOY (El Prado [Ire]) is even-money on the morning
line and looks more than talented enough to come out on top. The
chestnut three-year-old recorded a BRIS Speed of 110 and a Late
Pace rating of 128 for his dominant victory in the Joe Hirsch
last time, but that race set up very well for him. It’s difficult
to overlook his 8-1-0 mark from his last nine starts (all turf),
but Kitten’s Joy is still going to be facing his most difficult
challenge to date against older horses and is inexperienced at
longer distances. We’ll include him in multi-race wagers but try
to beat him at short odds in this spot.

Powerscourt closed powerfully to finish first in convincing
fashion and shouldn’t have been disqualified in the Arlington
Million. He returned to Europe afterward and just missed last
time against the classy Azamour (Night Shift) in the Irish
Champion S. (Ire-G1). O’Brien, who trained back-to-back Turf
winner High Chaparral (Ire), has freshened his charge 49 days for
this event and Powerscourt has the class to challenge for it all
if he takes to the Lone Star turf.

STAR OVER THE BAY (Cozzene) is the speed and a threat to hold
for part. Trained by Mike Mitchell, the former claimer has really
blossomed on the grass over the last few months, posting solid
wins in the Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship S. (G1)
and Del Mar H. (G2) in his last two starts. The six-year-old gray
also captured the Sunset H. (G2) at this distance, so consider
for the bottom of the exotics.

MUSTANFAR (Unbridled) ran a big race to capture the Sycamore
Breeders’ Cup S. (G3) last time at Keeneland, earning a 108 Late
Pace rating while rolling past his rivals through the stretch of
the 12-furlong event. The chestnut takes a serious class hike and
might be one to watch for more down the road, but Mustanfar is an
improving turf sophomore who could possibly factor if he keeps
getting better for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man) owns a respectable 1-0-1 mark in
his three career starts at 12 furlongs, including a 1 1/2-length
score in the Sword Dancer Invitational H. (G1), and also merits
consideration for the bottom of the gimmicks. Trainer Graham
Motion comes into the Breeders’ Cup hot and Better Talk Now owns
excellent Late Pace numbers. He faces some class issues but
remains an intriguing longshot candidate.

STRUT THE STAGE (Theatrical [Ire]) is two for three at the
distance but exits a dull performance at Woodbine. We’d be
surprised to see him step up with a career best here. REQUEST FOR
PAROLE (Judge T C) has tailed off since capturing the United
Nations (G1) and may not get the firm turf course he prefers if
any more rain falls.