Ashado finished strongly to take the Breeders' Cup Distaff for Texas trainer Todd Pletcher at Lone Star Park tonight.

John Velazquez settled the 3-1 favourite in fourth place on the inside as Tamweel set a strong pace tracked by French raider Nebraska Tornado.

The latter weakened quickly on the home turn and Ashado found herself hemmed in on the rail, but once in line for home a gap appeared and she sprinted through the opening to score in good style.

"She's a great filly and you have to give her all the credit," said the winning rider.

Storm Flag Flying stayed on to grab second spot, with Stellar Jayne in third.