Intercontinental dominates BC F&M Turf

ELMONT, N.Y., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Intercontinental grabbed an early lead and held on to win Saturday's Breeders' Cup $1 million Filly & Mare Turf at Belmont Park.

The 5-year-old mare covered the 1 1/4 mile grass course in 2:02.2, beating favorite Ouija Board, last year's winner, by 2 lengths. Film Maker finished third in the 14-horse field.

"The horse broke good, but she wasn't going as fast as she has," jockey Rafael Bejarano said. "I tried to take hold and stay comfortable. At the quarter pole, I could feel the other horses coming, but I knew she could hold on."

Trainer Bobby Frankel called Bejarano's ride perfect.

"I gave him instructions; I don't know whether he understood me but he rode her just the way I wanted him to," Frankel said.

Intercontinental, owned by Juddmonte Farms, has won three straight this year and 13 in 22 career starts, including eight of her last 12. Her total winnings top $2 million.

Intercontinental paid $32.20, $13.00 and $8.40; Ouija Board, $5.90 and $4.30; and Film Maker, $6.40 for show.