Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile: Goldencents holds on to win for Doug O’Neill

Goldencents, who earlier this year was considered a strong Kentucky Derby horse, set blistering early fractions and held on to win the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile for trainer Doug O’Neill.

Goldencents, winner of the Santa Anita Derby, went off at 6-1 in the Kentucky Derby but failed miserably, finishing 17th, almost 50 lengths behind after being eased. He came back two weeks later to win to finish fifth in the Preakness. Louisville basketball Coach Rick Pitino is part-owner of the horse.

The colt broke from far outside (post position 11) and made a bold move to the inside to lead the race after 1/4-mile. He ran the opening quarter in $22.12 and the half at $44.75. Even track announcer Trevor Denman announced his suspicion the horse couldn’t hold up at that fast a pace.

He entered the stretch with a five-length lead and seemed to be challenged by Golden Ticket, but the challenger flattened out near the end and Goldencents won by 2 3/4 lengths.

With jockey Rafael Bejarano aboard, Goldencents paid $9.60, $5 and $4. Golden Ticket returned $6.40 and $4.60, and Brujo de Olleros paid $4.60 to show.

It was O’Neill’s fourth Breeders’ Cup win.

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