Which Arc runners might wheel back for Breeders' Cup Turf?

The results of the October 6 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp in France weren’t quite what racing fans were hoping for, but the historic race nevertheless produced a thrilling, competitive finish.

Now we can turn our attention to the November 2 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Santa Anita, the most prestigious grass race in the United States. With American turf star Bricks and Mortar likely to skip the Turf in favor of a run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), the Turf appears wide-open for conquest by a European invader.

Which runners from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe could we see wheel back in four weeks for the Turf? While it’s too early to say for sure, there are reasons to believe any of the top five finishers might make the trip.

Waldgeist

After he finished behind Enable on three previous occasions, Waldgeist clearly relished the rain-soaked, “very soft” course conditions at Longchamp and rallied powerfully in the stretch to spring a 13-1 upset. Whether he'll come back four weeks from now in the Breeders’ Cup is unclear, though he did tackle the double in 2018, when he finished fourth in the Arc and fifth in the Turf. Trainer Andre Fabre has won the Turf on three occasions, most recently with Talismanic in 2017.

Enable

A two-time winner of the Arc, Enable turned in a game effort seeking an unprecedented third consecutive victory in Europe’s most prestigious race. Forwardly placed from the start, Enable might have moved too soon over the very soft course. She seized a clear lead in the stretch, but was caught by Waldgeist. While future plans have yet to be determined, Enable’s connections are leaving the door open for another run this year, in which case a return trip in the Turf—which Enable won last year—could be in the cards.

Sottsass

A 3-year-old half-brother to American grass champion Sistercharlie, Sottsass loomed as a serious challenger at the top of the Longchamp homestretch, but flattened out down the lane to finish third by 3 1/2 lengths. It was gallant effort, and considering he’s owned by Peter Brant—who has Sistercharlie targeting the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1)—it’s not unrealistic to think we could see Sottsass join his champion half-sister at Santa Anita.

Japan

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has won a half-dozen editions of the Turf, and the improving 3-year-old Japan looms as perhaps his best chance for 2019. The winner of the Juddmonte International (G1) over relatively dry "good" ground, Japan flattened out after he had to rally into contention in the Arc, but the very soft course may have sapped his stamina. If O’Brien sends Japan to Santa Anita, he’ll warrant respect. Half of O’Brien’s Turf winners were 3-year-olds.

Magical

Although this O’Brien-trained 4-year-old finished six lengths behind Japan in the Arc, an improved performance could be in the offing at Santa Anita. After she finished mid-pack in the 2018 Arc, Magical returned to win the QIPCO British Champions Filly & Mares Stakes (G1), then pushed Enable to within a length of defeat in the Turf. Magical has cracked the exacta in seven of her eight runs this year, and her proven ability to handle a tight-turning U.S. turf course could help her turn the tables on Sottsass and Japan, if they all make the trip to Santa Anita.