Couple of favorites come through in Ladies’ Classic
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Jockey Mike Smith and Royal Delta led all the way Friday to win Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita. Associated Press |
Royal Delta led all the way in winning the $2 million Ladies' Classic by 1½ lengths on Friday at Santa Anita, making the defending champion the only favorite to win on an upset-filled opening day of the Breeders' Cup.
Jockey Mike Smith earned his 16th victory in the event's 29-year history, breaking a tie for most wins with fellow Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey.
"I hope to be around a few more years to add to it," the 47-year-old rider said.
Royal Delta (8-5 odds) gave Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his second consecutive win and fifth overall in the Ladies' Classic.
Filly & Mare Turf:
Zagora (9-1) won the $2 million Filly & Mare Turf by three-quarters of a length, extending the streak of long-shot winners at the Breeders' Cup. Marketing Mix finished second while 9-5 favorite The Fugue from Britain was another half-length back in third.
Juvenile Fillies:
Beholder led all the way, holding off 3-2 favorite Executiveprivilege by 1-length to capture the $2 million Juvenile Fillies. It was the 13th BC victory for jockey Garrett Gomez and the seventh for trainer Richard Mandella.
Marathon:
Calidoscopio (17-1) became the oldest Breeders' Cup winner when the 9-year-old from Argentina pulled an upset Friday to win the $500,000 Marathon. Aaron Gryder was aboard for his first Breeders' Cup win.
Juvenile Fillies Turf:
Flotilla (11-1) rallied to win the $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf on Friday, the third consecutive long shot to win a BC race at Santa Anita. Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, Flotilla charged down the stretch on the far outside to win by 1¼ lengths.
Juvenile Sprint:
Hightail edged 1-2 favorite Merit Man by a nose to win the $500,000 Juvenile Sprint, giving Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas his record 19th Breeders' Cup victory with the 15-1 shot.
