Mike Smith, the winningest rider in Breeders' Cup history, celebrates Tamarkuz's upset of Dortmund in Friday's Dirt Mile. ( Jae C. Hong / The Associated Press )ARCADIA, CALIF.— Beholder edged Songbird by a nose to win the $2 million Distaff on the opening day of the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita, handing the 3-year-old filly her first loss in 12 races. It was a thrilling finish to the four Cup races Friday, three of which involved New York-based long shots winning on an 80-degree day. Nine Cup races will be run on Saturday, capped by the $6-million Classic in which California Chrome is the early favourite. It was her third Cup victory, having won the Distaff in 2013 and the Juvenile Fillies in 2012.

Source: thestar November 04, 2016 23:45 UTC