The 2019 Breeders’ Cup began in formful fashion as favorite Four Wheel Drive ($5) scored a front-running victory in the Grade 2, $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint, the first of 14 BC races this weekend at Santa Anita.

The son of American Pharoah broke running under Irad Ortiz Jr., set a fast pace over a lightning fast turf course and led gate to wire to defeat Chimney Rock by three-quarters of a length. Another Miracle rallied late to finish one and one-half lengths back in third. The order of finish was completed by Kimari, Dr Simpson, Encoder, Dream Shot, Alligator Alley, Cambria, A'Ali, King Neptune and Band Practice.

Wesley Ward trains three-for-three Four Wheel Drive; the win was the third Breeders’ Cup win for Ward, and first since 2014. Ortiz was winning his sixth BC race. Four Wheel Drive raced the opening quarter mile in :21.55, the half-mile mile in :44.03 and finished in :55.66.