Defending champ Goldikova, ridden by Olivier Peslier, rallied down the stretch to capture Saturday's $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita for the second straight year. Goldikova joins Miesque and Lure as back-to-back winners of the Mile.
Goldikova was sent off as the 7-5 favorite in the 11 horse field, breaking from the far outside post. Last year the filly was the 9-5 favorite in the race.
Setting the pace on the firm turf course was Gladiatorus followed by Cowboy Cal, Whatsthescript and Karelian. Around the final turn Cowboy Cal had the lead with Gladiatorus right behind.
At the top of the stretch Courageous Cat assumed the lead as Goldikova came charging down the middle of the course. The favorite nailed the lead late down the stretch and posted a half-length victory over Courageous Cat.
Justenuffhumor was third and Court Vision finished fourth.
The time for the Mile was 1:32.26.
Da Hoss won the Mile in 1996 and 1998.
Trained by Freddie Head, Goldikova picks up $1 million with the victory to bring her career earnings to more than $4 million. The filly has won 10 of 15 career starts with Peslier the only rider she has ever had.
Goldikova returned $4.80, $4.00 and $2.60. Courageous Cat paid $12.80 and $8.00, and Justenuffhumor paid $8.00 to show.
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