With a thrilling Classic (G1) by Bayern and a come-from-behind win by Lady Eli in the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), Eddie Woods grads tasted success on both days of the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

Bayern was the top story of the weekend with his nose victory over Toast of New York in the $5 million Classic on Saturday. The Bob Baffert trainee, owned by Kaleem Shah, survived an inquiry into the start of the race and determined effort by Toast of New York in the stretch to take home the top prize in the 1 ¼-mile contest. 

“That was the race we were hoping he would give, and what we got today,” said Baffert as he waited for the decision of the stewards. “He is such a courageous horse. I told Martin to get the lead no matter what, he rode a masterful race.”

Bayern has four graded stakes wins to his credit this year, including the $1 million Haskell Invitational and is now a leading contender for 3-year-old championship honors. 

Bayern upped his lifetime earnings to $4,389,680 with the big $2,750,000 payday.

Woods sold Bayern at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-olds in Training sale, where was purchased for $320,000 by Ed Savant.

In the $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf on Friday, Lady Eli stormed down the stretch, coming from fifth at the head of the stretch to win going away by 2 ¾-lengths and getting the mile in a rapid 1:33.41.

Trained by Chad Brown for Sheep Pond Partners, Lady Eli previously won the Miss Grillo S. (G3) at Belmont Park and is perfect in three starts. She has earned $719,800.

Lady Eli is a half-sister to multiple Grade 3 winner Bizzy Caroline. Woods sold the daughter of Divine Park for $160,000 at this year’s Keeneland 2-year-olds in Training sale. 

Woods also broke Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) runner-up Stephanie’s Kitten. A three-time Grade 1 winner, 5-year-old Stephanie’s Kitten has earned $2,634,104 for her owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Chad Brown.