Afleet Again pulled off one of the largest upset in the history of the Breeders' Cup when he caught Birdrun in deep stretch to win the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III) at odds of 40-1.
Patiently ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, the grey colt settled into mid-pack early on as Pleasant Prince and Baryshnikov set a blazing early pace for the distance of :23.47, :48.05, and 1:12.65. Birdrun was tucked in third along the rail, with Meeznah right behind them in fourth early on. However, Meeznah dropped out of contention after about five or six furlongs and was eased.
On the far turn, Cease made a strong run to take the lead but was quickly confronted by Birdun. The latter took over the lead in deep stretch, but Afleet Again came charging furiously on the outside to win the race by two lengths, completing the mile and three-quarter race in 3:00.39.
Birdrun held second by a head over the late-running Giant Oak, while Pleasant Prince held on surprisingly well to finish fourth. Favored A. U. Miner showed no early speed, dropped way behind, and never got into contention.
-Keelerman
No comments:
Post a Comment