updated 6:23 p.m. ET Nov. 7, 2009

ARCADIA, Calif. - Conduit defended his $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf championship, wearing down front-runner Presious Passion at the wire to win by a half-length.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, the 4-year-old colt covered 1 1/2-miles on Santa Anita's turf course in 2:23.75 and paid $3.80, $3 and $2.20. Presious Passion returned $5 and $3.80, while Dar Re Mi paid $3 to show.

It was the seventh win in 14 tries for Conduit, who boosted his career earnings to more than $5.3 million. Conduit had won only once this year in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.

Conduit made some strange pre-race headlines. A man was recently charged with blackmail in England, accused of threatening to kill the horse.

Allegre was scratched.

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