English Channel captures Breeders' Cup Turf

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Oceanport, NJ (Sports Network) - English Channel captured the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth Park. The win snapped a long Breeders' Cup losing streak for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Only eight grass runners left the starting gate in the 1 1/2 mile event. Dylan Thomas, rated as the top thoroughbred in the world, was the 4-5 favorite and English Channel was the 3-1 second choice.

Longshot Fri Guy set the pace with Shamdinan, English Channel and Transduction following. The pace was very slow as the field went through the six-furlong mark in just under 1:20.

Around the turn for home English Channel and Shamdinan were alone in front. English Channel, ridden by John Velazquez, kicked away from the field to record a seven length victory.

Shamdinan finished second followed by 2006 champ Red Rocks and 2004 winner Better Talk Now.

English Channel, third in last year's running, covered the 1 1/2 miles in 2:36 4/5 on the soft going.

Owned by James Scatuorchio, English Channel has won three of his last four starts and adds $1.5 million to his earnings. In his career the five-year-old has won 13 of 23 races for better than $5.2 million.

This was Pletcher's first Breeders' Cup victory since the 2004 Sprint with Speightstown.

English Channel paid $8.00, $4.40 and $3.00. Shamdinan returned $17.60 and $9.40, and Red Rocks paid $4.60 to show.