Authentic wins Breeders’
Authentic won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, going wire- to- wire for a 2 ¼ - length victory over Improbable that gave trainer Bob Baffert a 1- 2 finish Saturday at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby champion and Preakness runner- up broke out of the gate quickly and set the pace for others to follow. Stablemate Maximum Security pursued for a while before Global Security overtook him and then was passed by Improbable entering the stretch. Authentic, at 9- 2, never let up with John Velazquez aboard and extended his lead by the end.
Authentic earned his fifth win in seven starts this year and made a strong case as the year’s top 3- yearold. Authentic’s winning time in the $ 6 million race over 1 ¼ miles wasn’t immediately available because of a technical glitch.
Authentic paid $ 10.40, $ 5.40 and $ 4.20. Improbable returned $ 4.80 and $ 3.30, while Global Campaign paid $ 8.80.
NFL
Lions activate QB Stafford
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was removed from the reserve/ COVID- 19 list, making him eligible to play at Minnesota. Stafford’s wife, Kelly, said on social media he tested negative all week. Three months ago, the Lions removed Stafford from the list after saying he received a false positive test result.
♦ Giants wide receiver Golden Tate won’t play at Washington in the aftermath of seemingly calling out quarterback Daniel Jones and the coaching staff. Tate did not travel Saturday with the Giants. The team said Tate’s absence was not injury related.
♦ Dez Bryant, a three- time Pro Bowl wide receiver who last played in the NFL with the Cowboys in 2017, was promoted to the Ravens’ active roster from the practice squad.
♦ Jets quarterback Sam Darnold is doubtful to play Monday because of an injured shoulder. Joe Flacco is expected to start in his place against the Patriots.
♦ NFL Network reported the Cowboys plan to start Garrett Gilbert against the Steelers. He would be Dallas’ fourth starting quarterback in five games.
♦ Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen, whose 53 catches rank second in the AFC, is questionable against the Raiders due to illness.
GOLF
Burns leads by 1 in Houston
Jason Day stumbled at the end, three- putting for bogey on the par4 18th to fall a stroke behind Sam Burns in the Houston Open. Winless in 2oe years and fighting back and neck problems, Day shot a 3- under 67 to remain in contention. Burns shot a 68 to hold on to the lead at 9- under 201.
MLB Ray signs 1- year deal with Jays
Pitcher Robbie Ray and the Blue Jays agreed on a one- year, $ 8 million deal, making him the first of 181 free agents to get a new contract.