Saturday’s $1.84 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff was supposed to be all about Midnight Bisou, but Merriebelle Stable’s Blue Prize floored the even-money favorite at Santa Anita. The 8-1 chance became the third Argentinean-bred to capture the Distaff, following Hall of Famers Bayakoa (1989-90) and Paseana (1992).

The first Breeders’ Cup winner for both trainer Ignacio Correas IV and jockey Joe Bravo, Blue Prize rallied from well back. Up front, Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress tried to repeat that exhibition of speed by setting a strong pace. Midnight Bisou, reserved about midpack on the inside, didn’t improve position as might have been expected. Blue Prize passed Midnight Bisou down the backstretch and uncorked a bold move on the far turn.

Entering the stretch, Serengeti Empress had put away her early pursuers, but Blue Prize was bearing down with all the momentum. She rolled past the pacesetter and got the decisive jump on Midnight Bisou. Although Midnight Bisou was churning her way into contention, she couldn’t bridge the gap to the winner