Favored Liam's Map wins Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Liam's Map came from off the pace to win the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile by 2 1/2 lengths. Ridden by Javier Castellano, Liam's Map

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Liam's Map came from off the pace to win the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile by 2 1/2 lengths.

Ridden by Javier Castellano, Liam's Map ran the distance in a track-record time of 1:34.54. The 4-year-old gray colt paid $3, $2.40 and $2.10 as the 1-2 favorite Friday at Keeneland.

This was trainer Todd Pletcher's eighth career Cup victory. Castellano rode the fifth winner of his career in the world championships. Liam's Map earned his second straight Grade 1 victory in his eighth career start.

Liam's Map is usually a front-runner, but he was stuck back in the pack before rallying to wear down pacesetter Lea. Lea returned $4.20 and $3 while Red Vine was another 3 1/4 lengths back in third and paid $3.40 to show. Wicked Strong finished fourth in the 11-horse field.