Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf

After four straight close losses in Group 1 races, Wuheida would not be denied in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, scoring by one length over Rhododendron.

A homebred for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin global breeding and racing operation, Wuheida entered Saturday’s race off a fourth-place finish — just three-quarters of a length back — in the Group 1 Longines Prix de l’Opera on Oct. 1 at Chantilly. That followed three Group 1 starts where the 3-year-old daughter of Dubawi earned two placings and finished a close fourth. Winning trainer Charlie Appleby was glad to see Wuheida carry the Godolphin blue to the winner’s circle Saturday.

“She deserves this,” Appleby said.

Lightly raced Wuheida, who closed out 2016 with a win in the Group 1 Total Prix Marcel Boussac-Criterium des Pouliches, put an end to her recent top-level skid at the Breeders’ Cup. With William Buick showing the way, Wuheida adjusted well to her first North American start, racing a ground-saving third as Zipessa led through a quarter-mile in :23.86 and a half-mile in :47.5 with Avenge tracking.

The top two held their positions through three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.42 before Wuheida came out in the stretch and surged to the lead, easily holding off a late charge from Rhododendron. The photo for third went Cambodia’s way, giving her a placing in her first Grade 1 start; with Dacita in fourth.

Wuheida completed the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:47.91.

“She is incredibly professional,” Buick said. “She has lots of ability and the trip really suited her. I was happy with her position throughout the race and she quickened down the straight really well.”

Favorite Lady Eli tracked in midpack throughout and did not fire late, finishing seventh. The daughter of Divine Park had never finished worse than second before Saturday. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. told trainer Chad Brown that Lady Eli was bumped hard in the first turn.

“She had a rough trip and did have clear spots to run, and she just didn’t have it today,” Brown said. “I don’t know if all the bumping discouraged her or she just didn’t run for some reason today. She’s never done that before obviously. It’s quite a surprise to me; it’s unfortunate, but that’s horse racing.”