The $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) has been run since 1984. Among the prominent winners are Rebel's Romance (2022, 2024), Enable (2018) and Conduit (2008, 2009).
On Saturday at Keeneland, the Turf is the 11th race and the next-to-last Breeders' Cup event of the $34 million, 14-race, two-day extravaganza. Post time is 5:36 p.m. ET, and the race will be televised by NBC and Peacock.
The pre-entries will be announced on Tuesday, Oct. 21; the gate draw is Monday, Oct. 26.
This talented 3-year-old filly faced two major obstacles in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) and overcame both. It was her first try at 1 1/2 miles, and she was stuck in the far outside post in a field of 16. She responded brilliantly, overcoming a wide trip to finish third, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths by repeat winner Daryz, the heavy favorite. Diamond Necklace missed second by only a neck behind Bay City Roller. The British bookmakers were so impressed they made her the 5-2 favorite for the Turf. She's 6-for-8 on grass, including four Group 1 victories, and never finished out of the top three. If she comes over from Ireland, she should be a major player.
Betting Angle: Arc also-rans have done well in the Turf. Another plus is she's raced only five times this year. Sounds like a win bet to me.
What to Watch: Pay attention to O'Brien's comments on how she's training. If he says she's doing exceptionally well, play Diamond Necklace with confidence. If he expresses doubts, better think twice.
The Arc runner-up is 8-1 for the Turf in the British markets. Even though he ran third on Oct. 17 in the 1 1/4-mile Champion Stakes (G1) Oct. 17 at Ascot, his connections still may have the Turf on their radar. You won't find a more accomplished stayer than this 4-year-old colt named for an English band from the Seventies. He's 5-for-5 in the money going 1 1/2 miles at the Group 1 level and has never been worse than second at 12 furlongs. Proof of his class is back-to-back seconds behind Arc hero Daryz, Europe's undisputed champion.
Betting Angle: He's as classy as they come, and he loves the distance. It would be only his sixth race this season, so there should still be plenty of energy left.
What to Watch: Don't go overboard on a win bet, because Bay City Roller has seconditis. He's been first in only four of 15 starts and was second eight times.
He's 2-for-3 at a mile and a half, and his career-best performance came this spring at Keeneland, a 9 3/4-length romp in the 12-furlong Elkhorn Stakes (G2). Wilkes blames Burnham Square's seventh-place flop last time on the extreme heat at Kentucky Downs. That no-show ended the 4-year-old gelding's four-race winning streak. Burnham Square posted his top speed figure on a good course, so he handles any type of ground. "If we got some rain, it wouldn't hurt my feelings," Wilkes said.
Betting Angle: Burnham Square doesn't class up with the Europeans. He has only one Grade 1 victory, and that was in a weak Arlington Million. Insist on double-digit odds before using him.
What to Watch: If it's warm, check on whether he's sweating in the walking ring and post parade. Burnham Square dislikes the heat.
He earned his first Grade 1 trophy last time in the 12-furlong Joe Hirsch (G1) at Belmont Park. Walden knows his colt will face his toughest competition yet, but he thinks the race scenario and his liking for the course will help his strong closer.
The Risk: He lost four of his last five races, missing by a length or less in each near miss, and his speed figures are nothing special. Needs everything to go right.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
