A disappointing crowd of just 27,803 came out to Monmouth Park for the inaugural Friday card for the Breeders' Cup Championships with the introduction of three new races. Steady rains fell with temperatures in the 60's making for less than optimum conditions for participants and fans alike.
The highlight race on the card is the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile featuring 8 older horses go 1 mile 70 yards on the sloppy, sealed main track. Discreet Cat was sent off as the 3-2 favorite over 7-2 second choice Corinthian and 6-1 third choice Wanderin Boy.
7-1 Gottcha Gold set a pace of 22.58, 45.94, and 1:10.02 while as many as 2 1/2 lengths clear of the rest of the field. Entering the stretch, Corinthian, who sat back in fifth early, found room between horses and moved towards the front, getting the lead at the 3/16 pole. Corinthian opened up a 2 1/2 length lead at the 1/8 pole and drew away to win by 6 1/2 over pacesetter Gottcha Gold in 1:39.06 over the sloppy, sealed track. It was a long 8 1/4 lengths back to favorite Discreet Cat in third, who lacked any late rally but managed to hold third by a head over Wanderin Boy in fourth.
Results chart
For the results and photos from Saturday's Breeders' Cup races, check here, plus more photos from the day here.
