Raven’s Pass (left), a European-based 3-year-old who had never raced beyond a mile, followed Horse of the Year Curlin around the turn, then swept past him in the lane to win the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) (VIDEO) Oct. 25 at Santa Anita Park.

Photo: BILL LUSTER

Ridden by Frankie Dettori for Princess Haya, Raven’s Pass held off a late move inside by fellow British invader Henrythenavigator to win by 1 3/4 lengths.

Photo: RICK SAMUELS

Tiago (middle) rallied for third, three-quarters of length back, finishing a neck ahead of a tiring Curlin, North America’s all-time leading earner and defending Classic winner. It was Curlin’s first start over a synthetic track.

Photo: Skip Dickstein

A son of Elusive Quality, out of the Lord At War mare Aschutney, the 13-1 winner was bred in Kentucky by Stonerside Stable. The $1 exacta with Henrythenavigator returned $159.50 and the 8-5-3 trifecta with Tiago paid $2,395.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Raven’s Pass, trained by John Gosden, was content to relax off the early pace set by Casino Drive and Fairbanks in the 11/4-mile Classic.

Photo: RICK SAMUELS

As the field bunched up around the far turn, Curlin came with a bold move under Robby Albarado. Following along behind Curlin was Raven’s Pass and Dettori.

Photo: BILL LUSTER

Dettori and Raven’s Pass hit the wire in 1:59.27, a track record on the Pro-Ride surface.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Turning for home, Curlin had the lead in the center of the track to the roar of the 51,331 in attendance, but a host of horses were hot on this trail. He was overtaken by Raven’s Pass to his outside while Henrythenavigator went to inside to challenge.

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Raven's Pass would eventually pull away from the rest of the field.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Photo: RICK SAMUELS

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Photo: Skip Dickstein

Raven’s Pass has now won three of eight career starts. He came to the United States off a one-length win over Henrythenavigator in the Sept. 27 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-I) at Ascot going a mile. In his only other win this year, he took the Aug. 23 Totesport Celebration Mile (Eng-II) at the Glorious Goodwood meeting.

Photo: Skip Dickstein

It was a sweet victory for jockey Frankie Dettori.

Photo: Wally Skalij

Here the winning connections of Raven's Pass celebrate after receiving the winning trophy.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt