Breeders’ Cup Turf 2017: Projected field, odds and analysis

Thirty years ago, the Breeders’ Cup Turf produced its best running when Theatrical edged the Arc de Triomphe winner, Trempolino, in a thrilling finish, we can only hope that this year’s renewal yields the same excitement.

As usual, we will have a fair share of horses that ship in from overseas, including last year’s winner, Highland Reel, who will run after just 14 days since his last race. America’s best hope appears to be Beach Patrol, the runaway winner of the Grade I Joe Hirsch Turf Classic last out.

Worth $4 million, the Turf is run at 1 ½ miles and will be the penultimate Breeders' Cup race on Saturday Nov. 4. Let’s take an early look at the field with odds by Horse Racing Nation. Also, check out 5 things to know before handicapping the Turf.

Ulysses (5-2) – Skipped British Champions Day to point for this. Loves the firm going and comes into this race off of a better than it looked 3rd place in the Arc de Triomphe, 3 ¾ lengths back of the winner, Enable.

Highland Reel (3-1) – Defending Champion seeks to repeat. Toss his last in the Champion Stakes which was over a soft course he dislikes. The winner of two Group I events before that is the horse we will see at Del Mar. Will attempt to repeat off of a 14 day layoff, the shortest in his career.

Beach Patrol (9-2) – Appears to have the best chance of the U.S. based horses. In career best form winning his last two starts, the Grade I Arlington Million and Grade I Joe Hirsch, and has a race over the course.

Oscar Performance (8-1) – The top 3-year-old grass horse in the U.S. may have been compromised by his trip last out when 3rd to the older Beach Patrol in the Grade I Joe Hirsch. Will need to raise his game another level to beat these.

Sadler's Joy (12-1) – Was simply too far back in his last start, Beach Patrol’s Joe Hirsch. If the pace heats up, look for this one to make some noise in the stretch.

Churchill (12-1) – This 3-year-old, four-time Group I winner has lost his last four starts. Still under consideration for this race by trainer Aidan O’Brien, he was most recently third in last Saturday's Group I Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Oct. 21st.

Fanciful Angel (15-1) – Has run well in the U.S. since arriving from overseas, finishing second to Beach Patrol in his last two starts. Has never won a group or graded race.

Decorated Knight (15-1) – The winner of two Group I events this year upset the Irish Champions Stakes last out at 25-1. Left in his wake was the highly regarded 2,000 Guineas winner, Churchill.

Hunt (18-1) – Loved Del Mar while winning two Grade II events over the summer, the Eddie Read and Del Mar Handicap. Last out, though, he ran a clunker when 7th in the Grade II John Henry at Santa Anita. Will need a return to his summer form to get a piece.

Itsinthepost (20-1) – Winner of the John Henry is his last, this runner always shows up, having either won or been within 3 3/4 lengths on the winner in his last 17 starts. Has never met this kind and will get a big class test here.

Bigger Picture (20-1) – Off since August, he was right there with Sadler’s Joy in his last start, the Grade I Sword Dancer, losing by a half-length. Won the Grade I United Nations in July beating Beach Patrol.

Bullards Alley (25-1) – Late entrant did something in his last start rarely seen in this sport: He won a 12-furlong Grade 1 grass race by double digit lengths. He will have to repeat that Canadian International effort to have any chance to contend here.

Oscar Nominated (25-1) – Was a distant second to Bullards Alley in his last start, and was beaten nearly three lengths by Beach Patrol in the Arlington Million. Will need to greatly improve to figure into the exotics.