Breeders' Cup 2013 Results: Recapping Saturday's Early Action

While the Breeders' Cup Classic is the main event of the weekend, Saturday featured a number of exciting races throughout the day.

Each event featured a guaranteed purse of at least $1 million, which brought upon the best competitors in every category. The variety of races, including different tracks, ages and distances, also brings plenty of excitement to the day.

The early races featured quite a few surprises, so take a look at the results of the afternoon events at the Breeders' Cup.

Juvenile Fillies

1. Ria Antonia

2. She's A Tiger

3. Rosalind

The first race of the day was certainly an eventful one. She's A Tiger led for most of the way and was the first to cross the finish line, but the horse was disqualified after an inquiry. 

Art Wilson of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group provides the details:

Ria Antonia was given the win, as announced by the Breeders' Cup Twitter account:

Meanwhile, there was also a heartbreaking moment that took place after Secret Compass got hurt late in the race. Tim Sullivan of the Courier-Journal reports that the horse was put down following the injury:

Jockey John Velazquez was also injured after being unseated by Secret Compass during the race.

In the end, Ria Antonia was the big story with this surprising victory. It was her second win in five starts this year, and it could be the turning point of a promising career. 

Filly and Mare Turf

1. Dank

2. Romantica

3. Alterite

Dank started with the inside post and utilized it to get an early lead in the Filly and Mare Turf race. While other horses gave a challenge late, none of them could catch the eventual leader as Dank held on for a win.

Jockey Ryan Moore led a great run and was rewarded for his efforts. The Lexington Herald-Leader also pointed out the recent success for Dank:

This is actually the fourth win of the year in five starts to cap an incredible year for the experienced competitor. Meanwhile, Romantica was not far behind and clinched a top-three finish for the fourth time in five 2013 starts. 

These two British horses were followed by the French Alterite to make up an all-European leaderboard.

Filly and Mare Sprint

1. Groupie Doll

2. Judy the Beauty

3. Dance Card

One year after winning the Filly and Mare Sprint at the 2012 Breeders' Cup, Groupie Doll defended her title with a great run from beginning to end.

The Twitter account Spa Spies provides a look at how close the finish was, barely edging Judy the Beauty and Dance Card:

Additionally, this was a storybook moment for Groupie Doll in her last career race, as noted by Claire Novak of Bloodhorse.com:

This win gives her 11 in 21 career races, an incredible mark for a talented competitor. Meanwhile, Judy the Beauty proved her consistency by finishing in the top three, just as she has in all 12 other starts in her career.

Still, Groupie Doll was the best horse out there Saturday to earn an impressive win. 

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