Sat Oct 27 17:30:58 2007

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Breeders' Cup Distaff goes to Ginger Punch

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Oceanport, NJ (Sports Network) - Ginger Punch outfought Hystericalady down the stretch to capture the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park.

Ginger Punch, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, was never far off the lead in the 1 1/8 mile race. Bear Now set the pace, trailed by Hystericalady, Ginger Punch and Lady Joanne.

Around the turn for home Ginger Punch, Hystericalady and Lady Joanne were still on the lead as Octave made a major move toward the leaders.

Ginger Punch and Hystericalady hooked up in a stretch duel leaving the rest of the 12 horse field behind. At the wire Ginger Punch edged away to record a half-length victory over Hystericalady followed by Octave and Lady Joanne.

The time for the Distaff was 1:50 on a sloppy track.

Ginger Punch is trained by Bobby Frankel for owner Frank Stronach. The four- year-old picks up $1 million and now has career earnings of $1.7 million.

This year the filly has won five of eight starts, including the Ruffian and Go For Wand Handicaps. She has won seven of 14 lifetime races.

Ginger Punch returned $11.00, $6.20 and $4.40. Hystericalady paid $9.60 and $7.20, and Octave paid $5.00 to show.

Trainer Todd Pletcher had three horses entered in the race -- Octave, Indian Vale and Unbridled Belle.