The 27th renewal of the Breeders' Cup World Championships kicked off with 6 races on Friday at Churchill Downs, before a crowd of 41,614. Fans and participants enjoyed a cool damp fall afternoon with temperatures in the 40's, dark overcast skies, intermittent showers, and a slight breeze. Attendance increased by 10% over Championship Friday at Santa Anita last year.
A field of 11 older fillies and mares went 1 1/8 miles on the main track in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (formerly known as the Distaff). Blind Luck was sent off as the 3-2 favorite off her wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Delaware Oaks, and Alabama Stakes. In to challenge her included 7-2 second choice Life At Ten, winner of the Beldame and Delaware Handicap, and 6-1 third choice Havre de Grace, winner of the Cotillion.
Malibu Prayer set the early pace of 24.66 and 49.09 while 2 lengths in front of 26-1 Acting Happy second. Entering the far turn Unrivaled Belle challenged for the lead through 3/4 in 1:13.75 and opened up a 2 length lead at the 1/8 pole. Blind Luck, 10th early, closed strongly but was left with too much ground to make up as Unrivaled Belle cruised under the line 1 3/4 lengths ahead in 1:50.04 over the fast track. It was a length back to Havre de Grace third.
Results chart
