Horse Wagering

2007 Breeders' Cup Turf

Europeans have dominated the Breeders' Cup Turf in recent years. Eight of the last nine winners of the Turf made their last start before Breeders' Cup Day outside of the U.S.

The lone exception was Better Talk Now, who won in 2004 at Lone Star. European trainers shunned the race that year, held in the heart of Texas. Only one horse in the race that year made their last start outside of North America. That was Powerscourt, who finished third.

If history repeats, expect a close finish. In addition to a dead head between High Chaparral and Johar, six runnings of the Turf have been decided by a neck or less.

Here is a look at the top contenders for this year's Turf:

Dylan Thomas: This four year old colt ships in for Aidan O'Brien and is likely going to be the shortest price of any of the Breeders' Cup favorites. The colt won the Group 1 Arc de Triomphe in his last start, his fourth Group 1 victory of the year. No Arc winner has won the Turf, but this colt looks very formidable and this year's running of the Turf does not look as deep as past years.

English Channel: Todd Pletcher will send out this five year old for his second try in the Turf. Last year the son of Smart Strike checked in third behind Red Rocks and Better Talk Now. A winner of over $3.6 million, he also has the benefit of two trips over the Monmouth Park turf course, winning the Grade 1 United Nations in each of the past two years.

Red Rocks: This colt was the upset winner of the Turf last year as a three year old, returning $23.60 for a $2 wager. The colt has made four starts this year overseas with just one win, a victory in the Group 3 Gordon Richard Stakes. The colt was no match for Dylan Thomas in his last start, a fourth place finish in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes.

Better Talk Now: Graham Motion just keeps this eight year old rolling. This runner won the Turf in 2004, was seventh in 2005, and came back with a solid effort last year when second behind Red Rocks. The gelding has only made three starts this year but does own a Grade 1 win, taking the Manhattan at Belmont Park in June. The gelding has had three trips over the Monmouth Park turf course, winning the Grade 1 United Nations back in 2005.

Champs Elysees: This is an intriguing colt who will be overshadowed by Dylan Thomas. The colt only has a pair of wins in his career, his maiden score and a Group 3. His last start came in Italy, a runner up finish in a Group 1 at San Siro. One of the best things this colt has going for him is he is trained by the great Andre Fabre, who won the Turf twice (In the Wings and Shirocco), and pulled off the biggest upset in Breeders' Cup history when Arcangues won the 1993 Classic and returned $269.20.