LEXINGTON, Ky. — Songbird led all the way to win the $2 million Juvenile Fillies by 5 3/4 lengths as the first of nine Breeders’ Cup races began at Keeneland.
Ridden by Mike Smith, Songbird ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.73. Sent off as the 3-5 favorite, the 2-year-old filly based in California paid $3.20, $2.40 and $2.10.
Smith extended his record as the all-time Cup-winning jockey to 22 victories. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer won his second career Cup race.
Rachel’s Valentina, a 2-year-old daughter of retired superstar Rachel Alexandra, returned $3.80 and $3.40. Dothraki Queen was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third and paid $5.80 to show.