C2 Racing Stable, Agave Racing Stable and Ken Reimer’s Kentucky-bred Soul of an Angel rallied strongly in the lane to score in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.

Society and Pleasant dueled through fast early fractions of :21.94 and :44.22 while Soul of Angel lagged at the far back of the field. On the far turn with a wall of horses contesting the lead, jockey Drayden Van Dyke moved Soul of an Angel into contention. With clear sailing, Soul of an Angel wore down the pacesetters in the late stages to prevail by a half-length over Society, who finished a nose in front of Pleasant for the place spot. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Soul of an Angel covered seven furlongs in 1:21.59.

Memorable Win for Soul of an Angel

“It’s a special moment to get our first Breeders’ Cup win, and for connections that have been so loyal to me, C2 Racing, Agave Racing,” said Joseph. “Just special. Overall, the horse is the hero, and we’re just part of the process and enjoy the ride. All glory to God. I’m thankful and I’m blessed in that way, just to experience this. It’s something that I drew up as a Kid, wanting to win a Breeders’ Cup race and to get it done means a lot.”

Van Dyke said of the win, “I feel amazing. I’m truly blessed, and everything worked out. I just tried to keep her as close as I could. Keep in as close contact as I could. I knew when I tipped her out with the way she was traveling, I had a good chance to win it. She kicked in for me.”

A 5-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Atriedes, Soul of an Angel is produced from Factory One, by The Factor. The $520,000 winner’s share of the purse raised Soul of an Angel’s bankroll to $1,192,675. Bred by Westbrook Stables, Soul of an Angel won the Princess Rooney S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park in her previous start and finished third in the Personal Ensign S. (G1) at Saratoga in August. She was a 4 ¾-length winner of the Ruffian S. (G2) in May.