Whirl holds off Orphan Brigade by a neck

Whirl, who won his maiden for a claiming price of $16,000, picked up his second straight stakes win Sunday in the $151,030 Premier Breeders' Cup at Zia Park. Orphan Brigade finished a neck back in second, while it was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third to Tontine Too.

Whirl ($9.60) dueled on the lead with Tontine Too through an opening quarter in 21.40 seconds. Whirl continued to lead the field through a half-mile in 43.40, then held off a bid from Orphan Brigade, who won this race last year by a neck. Whirl completed the six furlongs in 1:09.20.

"He broke on the lead and then he relaxed," said Alex Jimenez, who rode Whirl for trainer Greg Green.

Whirl came into the Premier off a win in the $45,000 Charlie Iles Express at Albuquerque. He earned $95,280 for his win in the Premier, which was the first Thoroughbred stakes of the meet at Zia. Whirl has now won 5 of 18 starts and $162,520. He races for Henderson Stables, and is a son of Unbridled's Song. Whirl is out of the mare Charm, who is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Banshee Breeze.