Julie Krone became the first woman rider to go to the winner’s circle in the 20-year history of the Breeders’ Cup when she guided undefeated Halfbridled to a 2 1/2-length victory over Ashado in Saturday’s $1 million Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita.
To win her fourth straight race, the daughter of 1990 Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Unbridled had to overcome the outside post in the 14-horse field.
“I think she’s an exceptional filly,” said trainer Richard Mandella. “She can be four- or five-wide on the first turn and still win. Julie did a great job of finessing her. That’s why she’s in the Hall of Fame.”
After gradually moving into contending position, Halfbridled asserted herself in the upper stretch.
“Turning for home, she pricked her ears and started pulling away with tremendous, beautiful strides,” said Krone, whose best performances in prior Breeders’ Cup races were seconds in 1988 and 1995.
$1.5 million Juvenile: Mandella had David Flores in the saddle when 26-1 long shot Action This Day gave the trainer his second of his record four victories in the eight races. Action This Day’s second win in three outings yielded a $55.60 return for those who bet on him to win. The 8-5 favorite Cuvee was last in the 12-horse race.
$2 million Distaff: Jockey Pat Valenzuela sent Adoration to the lead leaving the gate, and the 40.70-1 long shot went on to win by 4 1/2 lengths, returning betting payoffs of $83.40, $33.40 and $25.80. Elloluv was a distant second, while 3-5 favorite Sightseek finished fourth in the worst performance of her career.
$1.5 million Mile: After balking at entering the starting gate, 3-year-old French filly Six Perfections made a powerful late stretch charge to score a three-quarter-length victory over Touch of the Blues, the closest of her 12 male adversaries. With America’s foremost jockey, Jerry Bailey, at the reins, Six Perfections overcame the No. 13 post in recording the sixth victory of her 10-race career.
$1.06 million Filly & Mare Turf: The English filly Islington, who was third in this race last year at Arlington Park, won by a neck in a stretch duel with Irish long shot L’Ancresse.
$1.18 million Sprint: Dispatched as a 22.80-1 long shot, 3-year-old gelding Cajun Beat came from just off the pace to take the lead with about a quarter-mile to run in the 6-furlong race and delivered a 2 1/4-length triumph over Bluesthestandard and a $47.60 return to win bettors.
