Sat Oct 27 14:25:42 2007

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Indian Blessing cruises in Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

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Oceanport, NJ (Sports Network) - Day two of the 24th edition of the Breeders' Cup World Championships commenced at Monmouth Park with Indian Blessing capturing the $2 million Juvenile Fillies.

Indian Blessing, ridden by Garrett Gomez, went wire to wire in winning the 1 1/16 mile race in 1:44 3/5 on a sloppy track. The filly took the lead shortly after the start and went on to win by four lengths over Proud Spell. Finishing third was Backseat Rhythm in the 13 horse field.

Owned by Hal Earnhardt and trained by Bob Baffert, Indian Blessing is now a perfect three for three in her short career. The Juvenile Fillies victory was worth $1 million to bring her earnings to more than $1.4 million.

Earlier this month Indian Blessing won the Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park.

Indian Blessing returned $5.40, $4.80 and $3.20. Proud Spell paid $8.80 and $5.80, and Backseat Rhythm paid $9.60 to show.

Cry and Catch Me was scratched from the race on Thursday after coming down with a fever.

There have been a couple of scratches from today's Breeders' Cup races. Slew's Tiznow has been scratched from the upcoming Juvenile and Wait a While is scratched from the Filly & Mare Turf.

"Despite the lack of cooperation from Mother Nature, we are very encouraged with the first day of our new two-day format of the Breeders' Cup World Championships," said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli after Friday's racing. "The racing fans of New Jersey displayed their great support and enthusiasm, and bettors around the country responded with a heightened sense of interest in the three new World Championships races."

A total of 27,803 people attended the first day at Monmouth Park and $19,771,360 was wagered on Friday's three Breeders' Cup races.