Canadian superstar Sky Classic is projected as the 5-2 favorite by virtue of his six straight victories, the last of which came in the Canadian International at this distance.
Two outstanding French horses, Pistolet Bleu and Kartajana, appear to have what it takes to terminate this reign of terror on the turf.
Pistolet Blue is only a 3-year-old but he`s coming off a third place in Europe`s most prestigious race, the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. In seven lifetime outings for France`s defending champion trainer, Andre Fabre, he has five wins, one place and one show.
Kartajana is a 4-year-old filly who spent two years racing in France before moving to the U.S. late this summer. In her American debut, she was an impressive third in the Grade I Arlington Million, losing by only a neck. Then she was a game but unlucky third in the Grade I Oak Tree Invitational at Santa Anita.
Filago redeemed himself for a ninth-place performance in the Million by winning the Oak Tree Invitational, and now the colt who began his career in France is trying for a Breeders` Cup encore.
Two other noteworthy runners in the Turf are Itsallgreektome, last year`s Breeders` Cup Mile winner, and In the Groove, a 4-year-old English filly.
