Goldencents Wins Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile In Back-2-Back Years

ARCADIA, Calif. (CBSLA.com/AP) -- Goldencents defended his title in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, winning by 1 1/4 lengths despite tiring in the stretch.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Goldencents ran one mile in 1:35.16 and paid $3.40, $2.60 and $2.10 as the 3-5 favorite on Friday at Santa Anita. It was Bejarano's fifth Breeders' Cup victory and the first for Leandro Mora, who became the trainer of record after his boss, Doug O'Neill, was banned by the Breeders' Cup because of medication violations.

"This is for Doug O'Neil," said Mora. "He is my brother. We are a team. I train as good as he does. I respect that man[Doug O'Neil]."

Tapiture returned $3.80 and $3, while Pants On Fire was another five lengths back in third and paid $4 to show.

Goldencents dueled with Vicar's In Trouble early in the race before Goldencents gained a comfortable lead. He eventually drifted out toward the middle of the track as Tapiture and jockey Rosie Napravnik gave chase through the stretch.

Vicar's In Trouble was vanned off after the race with a minor left front foot injury, according to an on-call veterinarian.

The two-time champion will now retire as he'll begin his career as a stallion in Kentucky