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.