ARCADIA, California, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Conduit, the hot favourite, produced a strong late surge to win the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park on Saturday for the second year in a row.

The 2008 English St Leger winner, ridden by Ryan Moore for Newmarket trainer Michael Stoute, stormed across the line half a length ahead of Presious Passion, with Elvis Trujillo on board.

Presious Passion had set a furious early pace, powering 12 lengths clear midway through the second circuit before being overhauled in the final stretch by the four-year-old chestnut colt.

British-based Dar Re Mi, ridden by Frankie Dettori for owners Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer and producer, and his wife, finished third in the field of seven.

"Last year went about as planned but this year wasn't according to plan," Moore told reporters after Conduit had got boxed in after the second turn. "But I knew I was going to get there.

"I was stuck behind a lot of horses early but that didn't worry me. I got a nice spot down the backside and I went inside to move up."

The winner paid just $3.80 to a $2 stake - a reflection of his 2009 campaign which included victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and a strong fourth place behind Sea The Stars in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

(Editing by Dave Thompson; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)