The day began with race favorite Azeri running away from the field to win the $2 million Distaff. The time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:48 3/5.

Azeri, ridden by Mike Smith, took the lead shortly after the start and never relinquished it. The four-year-old raced just off the rail up the backstretch with Imperial Gesture close behind. At the wire, Azeri was five lengths in front of Farda Amiga. Imperial Gesture was third, while Starrer finished fourth in the eight-horse field.

Azeri is owned by the Allen Paulson Living Trust and trained by Laura De Seroux. It was the first Breeders' Cup win for the trainer. The $1 million prize brings Azeri's earnings to $2.2 million. She has won 10 of 11 lifetime starts. Coupled with the upset in the Classic, Azeri's convincing win of the Distaff could mean Horse of the Year honors.

Azeri returned $5.60, $3.60 and $2.60. Farda Amiga paid $4.60 and $3.40,and Imperial Gesture paid $3.40 for show.

Shortly before post-time, the track condition was upgraded to fast under cloudy skies with the temperature at 46 degrees.

The 2003 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park. The races will be run on Saturday, October 25.