Six Perfections Lives Up to Name in Mile

After delaying the start by refusing to load into the gate, Flaxman Holdings homebred Six Perfections more than made up for it by storming to the front around the far turn and rolling to victory in the NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT).

"I told them that she might be fractious going into the gate but it wasn't an issue once the race started," said jockey Jerry Bailey, who won his 15th Breeders' Cup race aboard Six Perfections. "She saved ground going into the first turn even with the post we had. She has a great turn of foot and put in an exceptional performance."

Six Perfections defeated Touch of the Blues and jockey Kent Desormeaux by three quarters of a length. Century City, off at 39-1 with jockey Jose Valdivia, closed with a rush to be third, just missing second by a neck. Favored Peace Rules finished last in the 13-horse field.

Alan Cooper, racing manager for the winning Niarchos Family, noted, "I was concerned at the gate because I wasn't sure what the rules are here. But once she was in (the gate), and I could see she was settled, She acted up before the Irish 1,000 Guineas as well. That powerful finishing kick is her strength. Jerry rode a fantastic race. The way he got her in the first turn, was superb."

Peace Rules (3-1) assumed the early lead as the field raced down the stretch for the first time. Tracked by Designed for Luck, Peace Rules sizzled through opening fractions of :22 1/5 and :45 2/5 for the opening half-mile. The lead remained unchanged down the backstretch, with Designed for Luck and Soaring Free continuing to stalk Peace Rules as they got the three-quarters of a mile in 1:09 4/5.

The rest of the field began to catch the leaders rounding the second turn, with Six Perfections rallying between horses and taking the lead in deep stretch while getting past and holding off Touch of the Blues. Century City came on strong for third. The final time for one mile on a firm turf was 1:33 4/5.

"The race set up perfectly for us," said Desormeaux, who brought Touch of the Blues four wide in the stretch. "There was plenty of speed to run at. When I hooked the filly (Six Perfections), I actually got a half-length in front. She just ran a wild race."

Six Perfections paid $12.60, $7.00, and $4.80. Touch of the Blues was worth $9.80 and $6.80, with Century City paying $15.60 to show. Irish Warrior closed from last in the 14-horse field to finish fourth.

The victory was the second in a row for trainer Pascal Bary, who won the Mile last year with Domedriver.

"She can be a bit like that (gate)," Bary said. "She is so good at one mile. I was a bit worried in the first turn, but with the draw, (Bailey) figured to be behind. But when he found his way, she was gone."

Six Perfections is a 3-year-old daughter of Celtic Swing -- Yogya (by Riverman). The French-bred Six Perfections has now won six of 10 lifetime starts, including two group I races in France.

David Flores, aboard eighth-place Special Ring, the morning line favorite, complained about traffic congestion.

"We got blocked twice," he said. "Turning for home, Peace Rules stopped right in front of me. I never had a chance to get clear."

Soaring Free was fifth, followed by Freefourinternet, Designed for Luck, Special Ring, Perfect Soul, Oasis Dream, Refuse To Bend, Decarchy and Peace Rules.

(Chart, Equibase)