2012 Hollywood Gold Cup Day

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

Immediately before the Gold Cup, a field of 8 older fillies and mares competed in the $150,000 Royal Heroine Mile (G2) at 1 mile on the turf. All Star Heart, winner of her last 3 starts including the Las Palmas (G2) and the Redondo Beach Stakes, was sent off as the 8-5 favorite over 3-1 second choice Quiet Oasis, second in the Gamely (G1) after winning the Wilshire Handicap (G2), and 6-1 third choice Nereid, 6th in the gamely last out.

Jockey Victor Espinoza sent 13-1 Briecat to the lead first time by and she set fractions of 24.26, 47.84, and 1:11.47 over the firm course while as many as 1 1/2 lengths in front of 8-1 Mega Dream stalking her in second. Entering the stretch, Briecat continued to lead, getting 7/8 in 1:23.14, but Quiet Oasis, 5th early, came out 3 wide for run. A three-horse photo ensued, with Quiet Oasis outfinishing Mega Dream by a head in 1:35.06, and another neck back to pacesetter Briecat third. Favorite All Star Heart trailed throughout and failed to rally, finishing last.

Results chart from DRF