Mizdirection takes Breeders' Turf Sprint

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ARCADIA, Calif., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Mizdirection ran by most of the field in the stretch run to capture Saturday's $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

Unbridled's Note was second, 3/4 length behind the winner, and Reneesgotzip was third in the 6 1/2-furlong race run down Santa Anita's unique hillside turf course. Starspangledbanner, a former star sprinter in Australia and England, led much of the way but faded badly in the final quarter mile.

Mizdirection, with Mike Smith up, finished in 1:11.39.

As the field crossed over the main track into the stretch run on the main turf course, Mizdirection had only a few of her 13 rivals beaten. But Smith, who picked up his record 17th Breeders' Cup win, had her in the clear on the outside and she quickly began picking off rivals.

Unbridled's Note, meanwhile, had surged to the lead but Mizdirection was in full flight and got by in the final yards for the win.

Mizdirection is a gray, 4-year-old Mizzen Mast filly. Mike Puype trains for a California-based ownership group including entertainment and racing personalities. Although she has never finished off the board in 12 career starts, she had been competing in lesser stakes on the California circuit. She now has seven wins, including a 3-for-3 record over the hillside course.