Goldikova wins third straight BC Mile

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Goldikova a made history Saturday at Churchill Downs, becoming the first horse to win three Breeders' Cup races after surging through the stretch to a convincing 1 3/4-length victory over two-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile.

Goldikova, an Irish-bred daughter of Anabaa, had captured the 2008 and 2009 editions of the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita. Now 5, she is trained by Freddy Head for the partnership of Alain and Gerard Werthheimer.

Ridden once again to perfection by jockey Olivier Peslier, Goldikova covered the distance in 1:35.16 over the firm course and paid $4.60.

Goldikova was trapped outside several horses around the opening bend after breaking from post 10 and raced in mid-pack for six furlongs. She angled five wide while commencing her rally entering the stretch, responded to strong urging to overtake the tiring Sidney's Candy with a rush at midstretch, and powered well clear. Gio Ponti rallied belatedly down the middle of the course to outfinish The Usual Q. T. by a neck for second.