ARCADIA, CA - Merriebelle Stable’s Blue Prize shot to the lead at the top of the stretch and withstood a late run from the favored Midnight Bisou to champion Saturday's $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita Park.

Breaking from post 11 under Joe Bravo at 8/1 odds, Blue Prize settled comfortably into mid-pack early while Serengeti Empress posted opening fractions of :22.98 and :46.68. Still in seventh heading into the far turn, Bravo pushed “Go” and Blue Prize began to roll. Third by the time she reached the top of the stretch, Blue Prize passed Serengeti Empress at the 1/8 pole and began drawing off. The Ignacio Correas IV trainee hit the wire 1 1/2 lengths clear of the even-money top choice Midnight Bisou. Serengeti Empress was 3 1/4 lengths behind in third, with Ollie’s Candy and Dunbar Road rounding out the top five.

Blue Prize returned $19.80 to win, $5.60 to place, and $4.20 to show. Midnight Bisou brought back $2.80 to place and $2.20 to show, while Serengeti Empress paid $6 to show.