Idiomatic, wins the Breeder’s Cup Distaff |Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup
Idiomatic took the lead from Randomized heading into the stretch and held off all comers in posting a half-length victory in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita Park on Saturday.
The 4-year-old Curlin filly extended her winning streak to five in a row and likely clinched an Eclipse Award as champion older dirt female.
Idiomatic’s Stellar Year: Three Consecutive Grade 1 Victories in 2023
Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Geroux, Juddmonte-owned Idiomatic ($5.60) is eight for nine in 2023, with Grade 1 wins in her last three races.
The field was reduced to seven with the late scratches of Pretty Mischievous and A Mo Reay.
Idiomatic settled in nicely behind pacesetter Randomized, while Adare Manor was a bit further back. As the field rolled into the turn for home, Idiomatic took the lead, Randomized fought on, and Clairiere came with a rush but was unable to find room to get to the leaders.
“It was like a cavalry charge at the eighth pole, and I was hoping she could charge forward,’’ Cox said. “I’m very proud of her.”
The winning time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:50.57.