Horse Racing: Inside the 25th Breeders Cup - Part I - Off the Final Turn

Indian Blessing takes control of the lead nearing the top of the stretch. (front center)
Ventura, gaining good ground on the far outside would run the game Indian Blessing down in deep stretch for the win.

Indian Blessing fights off a tenacious Dearest Trickski (at the rail) to maintain the lead at the 1/8 pole.

Stardom Bound (gray) gained position just in time as the fillies fan across the track seven or eight wide getting their first look towards home.

Dave's Revenge welcomed the huge hole opening up on the rail and made the most of it. He had started his run from 10th position and finished fourth.

Stardom Bound (gray) had made a huge run at them! Here she tackles the leaders at the top of the stretch, willingly lengthening, opening up her tremendous stride, she sets down for the run to the wire.

C.S. Silk (inside) tries to go with her, Dave's Revenge(#7) and Sky(#4) ran on well late, but to no avail

Santa Teresita is on the lead between horses, Bear Now has relinquished her lead on the rail.

Outside of them, Hystericalady runs on, Music Note and Javier Castellano strain to do more, moving into third position, with the undefeated Zenyatta (FAR outside) breathing down their neck.

Zenyatta, eating up ground with every stride, begins picking up horses.

Zenyatta seemed as happy as she could be coming off the turn. Her ears swiveled back and forth. It seemed she was wondering if anyone wanted to run with her this day.

Albertus Maximus (#7) gains momentum off the turn and begins to run down the field. Two Step Salsa (#5) has led this group nearly every step of the way and is beginning to tire.

My Pal Charlie (#11) runs on bravely outside of Mast Track, Michael Lewis, full of run (#1 w/ white hood) and Eibar Coa find themselves in tight at the rail with no where to go.

Albertus Maximus (#7) flashes to the lead. My Pal Charlie still giving his all, tries to go with him. Two Step Salsa on the rail re rallies under the pressure.

Midshipman took command just out of the gate and powers his way through the top of the stretch with Street Hero (#8) and Square Eddie (#4) in desperate pursuit.

Fatal Bullet (#9) flies on the lead. Defending BC Sprint Champion, Midnight Lute, in the red/yellow silks and second from last, has just headed this first hapless victim. Thus began his long sustained run to the wire.

This was one of the most captivating performances of the day.
Starting his run half way around the turn, Midnight Lute came flying around on the outside as they straightened out for home. He was literally shouldering by his foes and with a fire in his eye!

He picked them off with each powerful, lengthening stride. You could see the intimidation in their faces. Those horses nearest to him actually cringed away from his presence and determination.

He truly was on a mission this day!!! Hat's are off to Bob Baffert!

Midnight Lute full of fire sustained his long, last to first move. He covered the ground down the lane like a runaway train.

The sweet, pervasive, voice of Trever Denman takes him to the wire:
"...and Midnight Lute now lengthens his stride... and Midnight Lute's got dead aim on Fatal Bullet , who's running a HUGE one on the lead! Fatal Bullet TRIES to hold on, but Midnight Lute's just plain got too much class for him.
And what a MAGNIFICENT, BACK to BACK winner of the Sprint! Midnight Lute could not have been more impressive, he wins with his ears PRICKED in the end! ... Fatat Bullet, for second and Street Boss finishes third."

The End.
Coming soon Part II - Inside the 25th Breeders Cup - Wide Open to the Wire