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BREEDERS CUP: Afleet Again Stays Best In Marathon

3 minute read

The unconsidered Afleet Again kept the Breeders' Cup Marathon at home with an upset wiun at Churchill Downs.

The dirt surface had been a concern for David Lanigan's Meeznah, who travelled well enough early but lost her position at halfway, and was soon backtracking and eased.

Up front long-time leader Pleasant Prince gave way as Cease kicked for home rounding the final turn, but down the stretch it was the grey Afleet Again who challenged strongest of all on the outside of runners.

The Robert Reid-trained four-year-old eventually won with something in hand from Birdrun in the hands of Cornelio Velasquez.

Andre Fabre's Brigantin and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Harrison's Cave never got in a blow.

Caleb's Posse produced a stunning performance to lift the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

Kentucky Derby fourth Shackleford looked all over the winner when he burst to the front after the turn for home, with Caleb's Posse still well in arrears.

But Rajiv Maragh engaged the after-burners on the Donnie Von Hemel-trained Caleb's Posse - conqueror of Uncle Mo at Saratoga in August - and roared through for a jaw-dropping victory.

Maragh, riding his first Breeders' Cup winner, said: “It feels like excitement and relief. This horse gives me a big kick every time, he is amazing and has big acceleration.”

Von Hemel said: “You could see him start to pick up momentum, and halfway down the stretch he had dead aim on the leader.

“We thought this was the best spot for us than the Sprint. It's the best.”


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