Trainer Dale Romans knew there was only one way his horse, Thorn Song, could win the Shadwell Turf Mile. Get a lead early and never give it up.

The favorite did just that Saturday at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. He cruised to a 1-length victory under Robby Albarado to clinch a spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita in three weeks.

Thorn Song paid $8.40, $4.60 and $2.80. Shakis was second, and War Monger was third.

In another "win and you're in" Breeders' Cup qualifier, Square Eddie was the runaway winner of the Lane's End Breeders Futurity. He won by nearly five lengths.

Vineyard Haven, Sky Diva reach Breeders' Cup: Vineyard Haven and Sky Diva raced to impressive stakes wins at Belmont Park at New York to earn berths in the Breeders' Cup.

Vineyard Haven, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel and partially owned Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, fended off strong early challenges to win the Champagne by 5 lengths over Munnings. Sky Diva won the Frizette for fillies by 3 lengths over even-money favorite Persistently.

New Mexico thoroughbred breaks record: It was an easy win for Peppers Pride. About three lengths, in fact.

With the victory in a six-furlong allowance race at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M., the New Mexico thoroughbred put herself into the record books. She has now won 17 times in as many starts, setting a modern North American record.

Marsh Side wins Canadian International: Marsh Side, a 25-1 long shot, won the $2 million Canadian International turf race at Toronto, beating 35-1 shot Spice Route by 1 lengths at Woodbine Racetrack.

Marsh Side, trained by Neil Drysdale and ridden by Javier Castellano, ran 1 miles in 2:28.73 on the firm turf in cool, overcast conditions. Owner Robert Evans collected the $1.2 million winner's share in Canada's richest thoroughbred event.

In other Breeders' Cup qualifiers, Frankie Dettori guided Irish-bred Folk Opera, the 3-2 favorite, to a wire-to-wire victory in the 1-mile E.P. Taylor. Grand Adventure, an 8-1 pick, took the Summer Stakes by a head over Skipadate, and True to Tradition, also an 8-1 selection, held off 50-1 shot Rouse The Cat to win the Nearctic by a nose.

Jockey Velazquez released from hospital: Jockey John Velazquez was released from the hospital, one day after a spill at Keeneland left him motionless on the track.

Deweycheatumnhowe wins Futurity at Red Mile: Deweycheatumnhowe took the third jewel of trotting's triple crown with a victory in the $684,000 Kentucky Futurity at the Red Mile in Lexington, Ky.