Santa Anita downhill turf course specialist Mizdirection outfinished Unbridled's Note to capture the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint on Saturday.
European shipper Starspangledbanner set the pace from post 14 and held the lead turning for home but the patient runners were just starting to roll.
Unbridled's Note, the 9-2 betting favorite, briefly grabbed the lead in deep stretch but 4-year-old filly Mizdirection had all of the momentum and got the job done in a thrilling stretch run.
Three-year-old filly Reneesgotzip finished third and Great Mills rounded out the superfecta.
Mizdirection, now 3-for-3 in downhill turf sprints at Santa Anita, is owned by renowned talk show host Jim Rome. The Mike Puype trainee, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, paid $15.80 to win.