Europe once again dominates the Turf, led by the formidable duo of Diamond Necklace and Benvenuto Cellini

Eleven of the 14 contenders for the 2,400-meter feature traveled from overseas. Aidan O'Brien saddles a potent duo of key contenders, while Ethical Diamond seeks to duplicate his surprising 2025 victory

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (From a special correspondent).— The Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) appears to have firmly become European territory. Representatives from the Old Continent have captured 10 of the last 11 editions, and this Saturday at Keeneland, they will once again deploy a formidable contingent to fight for the $5-million purse.

Of the 14 runners scheduled to travel the 2,400 meters, only three are American-trained: Burnham Square (Liam's Map), Minaret Station (Instilled Regard), and Far Bridge (English Channel). The remaining 11 crossed the Atlantic, forming an extraordinary field in both depth and international prestige.

Aidan O'Brien, a seven-time winner of the Turf, saddles two potent key contenders: Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica), installed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite, and Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel), pegged at 6-1.

However, one intriguing detail stands out: Ryan Moore has chosen to ride Benvenuto Cellini, leaving Christophe Soumillon to partner Diamond Necklace.

The 3-year-old colt captured the Irish Derby (G1) and finished third in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) behind Kalpana (Study of Man) and Calandagan (Gleneagles). He subsequently disappointed in the Prix Niel (G2), but his ninth-place finish in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) came with several valid excuses.

“We always felt this race would suit him perfectly. We worked extensively on his gate manners, and he has drawn well in post position 2,” O'Brien explained.

Diamond Necklace, meanwhile, won her first six career starts, including four G1 features, and enters on the heels of a courageous third in the Arc, finishing just two lengths ahead of her stablemate.

“She ran an extraordinary race. She accelerated like a winner, but was eventually caught. We will need to conserve her energy carefully to ensure she stays the full distance,” noted the trainer.

Another prominent figure is Ethical Diamond (Awtaad), winner of the 2025 Turf at 27-1 odds, who will attempt to repeat under the tutelage of Willie Mullins.

The Irish gelding, who also campaigned over hurdles, was targeted specifically for a return to the United States,although he recently finished behind Tiffany (Farhh) in the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2).

Tiffany herself, trained by Sir Mark Prescott, looms as a dangerous threat. At age 6, she captured her maiden G1 in Germany before securing an authoritative victory at Kentucky Downs.

Also in the lineup is Bay City Roller (New Bay), runner-up in the Arc and third in the Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot, who faces his third top-level contest in less than a month. Post position 13 may complicate his trip, though his early speed will allow him to carve out a favorable position quickly.

Hotazhell (Too Darn Hot) arrives on back-to-back G1 victories, including the Irish Champion Stakes (G1), and will need to prove he can carry his elite form from 2,000 to 2,400 meters.

Among the fillies, Survie (Churchill), conditioned by George Boughey, stands out after proving her affinity for U.S.racing with wins in the Glens Falls Stakes (G2) and the Christophe Clement Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.

Her subsequent failure in the Prix Vermeille (G1) was easily explained: her saddle slipped shortly after the start,leaving Ryan Moore barely able to maintain his balance.

El Cordobes (Frankel), representing Charlie Appleby, will look to build on his third-place finish in this race in 2025.He recently reappeared in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1), finishing third once more, with his trainer noting significant forward progress since.

Rounding out the international fleet are Johanna Walsh (Sea the Stars), winner of the Irish Oaks (G1); Deep Monster (Deep Impact), a Japanese contender with global credentials; and Map of Stars (Sea the Stars), who gained entry following the scratch of Test Score (Lookin At Lucky).

Domestic hopes rest primarily on Minaret Station, fresh off a victory in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1), and Burnham Square, who took the Elkhorn Stakes (G2) over the Keeneland course in April. Far Bridge completes the American trio.

Europe holds the numbers, the form lines, and the overwhelming majority of market leaders. Yet separating the winner from such a star-studded cast poses a far greater puzzle than predicting another foreign triumph.

With Diamond Necklace, Benvenuto Cellini, Ethical Diamond, Tiffany, and Hotazhell taking center stage, the Turfpromises to be one of the most wide-open and thrilling showdowns of the entire Breeders' Cup.