Ventura wins Breeders' distaff sprint

ARCADIA, Calif., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Ventura came from behind to win Friday's $1 million Sentient Flight Group Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita.

Last year's juvenile filly champ, Indian Blessing, finished second after contesting the pace and Zaftig finished third. The 7 furlongs on the all-weather track went in 1:19.90, just 1/100th of a second off the track record.

Ventura, trained by Bobby Frankel and making only her second start on anything but the turf, was ridden to victory by Garret Gomez. Gomez kept the 4-year-old daughter of Chester House well back in the 13-horse field until the turn. She then quickly swept around horses, challenged for the lead and wore down Indian Blessing, who still finished well.

Ventura, a Kentucky-bred, began her career in England last fall. Racing in North America this year, she previously posted three wins, two seconds and a third from six starts. In her last start, the dark bay or brown filly finished second to Rahy's Attorney in the Woodbine Mile on the grass.