By Marty McGee

updated 5:44 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2004

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Ticker Tape surged past River Belle in the stretch and held off Barancella by a half-length in Saturday’s Grade 1 $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland.

Ticker Tape, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, covered the 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in 1:51.35 in the race for 3-year-old fillies and paid $5.40, $2.80 and $2.40.

Bobby Frankel-trained Barancella returned $3 and $2.80, and River Belle paid $3.20 to show.

Trainer James Cassidy said Ticker Tape would skip the Breeders’ Cup and next race in the Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park. Ticker Tape won the Grade 1 American Oaks at Hollywood Park earlier this year.

Ticker Tape won for the seventh time in 17 starts, and the $310,000 she earned Saturday boosted her career earnings to $1,207,426 for owners Jim Ford, Daron Pearson and Jack Sweesy.

MORE FROM HORSE RACING

Haskell will pit Preakness winner vs. Belmont winner

Haskell will pit Preakness winner vs. Belmont winner Lawyer Ron, a champion in 2007, is euthanized Pioneerof the Nile retired with leg injury Dutrow suspended 30 days for drug violation   Video: Filly Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness thriller   Watch replay of Mine That Bird's victory Interactive: Triple Crown winners, near misses Vote: When will we see next Triple Crown winner? Equibase: Quick results from top tracks Equibase: Results ticker from top tracks   Add Horse racing headlines to your news reader: