Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1)

TWO days before he saddled Blue Prize to victory in the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Ignacio Correas IV navigated his way through the large throng gathered at Clocker’s Corner and near the Breakfast Marquee at the top of the stretch.

Correas eventually made his way to a quiet spot in the grandstand, where he watched his prized mare go through her penultimate gallop before her career finale.

“It’s all about her,” Correas said. “She’s given me three good years. I’m so fortunate to have her.”

Correas continued that theme a little more than 48 hours later when Blue Prize and Joe Bravo ran down Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress and held off a late run from division leader Midnight Bisou for an upset victory in the Distaff.

Blue Prize added the Distaff to her second straight victory last month in Keeneland’s Grade 1 Juddmonte Spinster and five other stakes for Correas since she came to the US in late 2017.

“She had been facing champion after champion in the last two months,” Correas said.

“It’s not about my level of satisfaction, it’s about the filly. She has beaten Elate and Midnight Bisou in two months, what else do you want to ask of a horse? She’s a champion and all the credit is for her.

“We have been blessed to have her. It’s been a great ride. We have great owners who let us plan and execute. But it’s all about this filly.”

The ride continued Tuesday when Blue Prize sold as a broodmare prospect for $5 million to Larry Best’s OXO Equine at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November Sale.