3 geldings win Breeders' Cup races

AP - By BETH HARRIS

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Three geldings, including two bred in California, scored victories in the Breeders' Cup while European horses won three other races Saturday.

Irish import Goldikova successfully defended her title in the $2 million Mile against 10 male rivals, setting the stage for Zenyatta to go against 13 boys in the $5 million Classic later at Santa Anita.

Zenyatta's 13-0 career mark was on the line in North America's richest race, with such stars as Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and Ireland-based Rip Van Winkle looking to send her into expected retirement with a blemish on her record.

Goldikova helped Freddy Head make history as the first to win the Mile in consecutive years as both a trainer and a jockey. He rode Miesque to victories in 1987 and '88.

"I get more nervous watching than riding," Head said. "The amazing thing is a horse like her, she's very easy to train. She does everything herself. She always gives her best. She's a freak, I think, really."

Goldikova won the Mile by a half-length over long shot Courageous Cat. Ridden by Olivier Peslier, she ran the distance on the turf in 1:32.26 and paid $4.80 to win as the 7-5 favorite.

California Flag and Dancing in Silks both won on their home track, a couple of geldings stealing the spotlight at an event created to focus on the breeding aspect of thoroughbred racing.

California Flag lived up to his favorite's status, taking the $1 million Turf Sprint by 1 3/4 lengths. He ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:11.28. Jockey Joe Talamo and trainer Brian Koriner, who like the 5-year-old gelding are locally based, earned their first Breeders' Cup win.

"It's awesome," Talamo said. "Just being on a horse like that is tremendous. It definitely builds your confidence up."

California Flag paid $8.80 to win as the 3-1 favorite, a year after finishing 10th in the same race.

Dancing in Silks was a big shocker, surviving a four-horse photo finish to win the $2 million Sprint by a nose at 25-1 odds. He paid $52.60 to win.

The 4-year-old gelding made Carla Gaines the third woman to train a Breeders' Cup winner. It was the first Breeders' Cup win for jockey Joel Rosario, who guided Dancing in Silks over 6 furlongs in 1:08.14.

Another gelding, Furthest Land, won the $1 million Dirt Mile a year after being claimed for $35,000 at Belmont Park. Under Julien Leparoux, who earned his third win in two days, the 21-1 shot ran the distance in 1:35.50 and won by three-quarters of a length. He paid $44.60 to win.