DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Ted Noffey won the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile by one length at Del Mar on Friday, stamping himself as the winter favorite for next year's Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by John Velazquez, Ted Noffey ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.25 and paid $3.60 to win for the second-shortest win payout in Juvenile history. It was Velazquez's 22nd Cup win, second all-time among jockeys.

“I was very confident," Velazquez said. “He made it very easy for me.”

Trainer Todd Pletcher earned his fifth Juvenile win, tying his mentor D. Wayne Lukas , who died in June at age 89. Pletcher wore a tie given to him by Lukas' widow, Laurie.

"He loved this event and it brings back some fond memories," Pletcher said. “That’s what he was always dreaming about — juveniles and Derby horses.”

Ted Nof

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