Royal Delta (9-4 favourite) retained her Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic crown with a scintillating display of front running at Santa Anita.

Bill Mott's filly landed this race at Churchill Downs 12 months ago and was sent straight to the head of affairs by Mike Smith, setting some very quick fractions.

My Miss Aurelia was the last filly to give chase, but Royal Delta would not be denied and she extended her lead in the last strides.

Smith said: "She broke extremely well and I just didn't want to get in her way. She was brilliant today. Bill has done a great job getting her here 110% for this race. She was great from the time I got on her and I had half a length on the field leaving the gates.

"I thought when you're on a talented horse they are fast for a reason. I was either going to be a big-time hero or end up really bad. I felt confident and she was a true champion today."

Mott said: "Our plan was just not to get in her way. We know she's a staying filly and gets a mile and a quarter.

"We knew there was some speed in there, but we were going to let her go up in the race if she wanted to. With Mike she broke very well today. She let her do her thing and she did the rest.

"She was going easily. I looked at her down the back and she was cruising. I knew that if they ran to her she find out a little more."