TORONTO, November 6, 2022 – Velocitor, at 21-1, took the lead early and then led every step of the way in the $253,000 Coronation Futurity, Sunday at Woodbine.
Prior to the race, Kevin Attard wasn’t quite sure whether Velocitor would be able to get the distance in the 1 1/8-mile event for 2-year-olds foaled in Canada.
The son of Mor-Spirit-Polar Plunge gave the trainer the answer he was hoping for.
Bred and owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling, Velocitor, leaving from post 11 in the 14-horse field, crossed over quickly and took to the rail with Justin Stein in the irons.
The dark bay held a half-length advantage over Battle Strike through an opening quarter reached in :24.88, with Stayhonor Goodside positioned in third followed by Gran Spirited.
Velocitor was a head in front of that same rival through a half in :50.56, as mutuel choice Philip My Dear, another Attard trainee, moved into third spot on the outside along the backstretch.
Running comfortably on the front end by a half-length through three-quarters, Velocitor soon had rivals on both sides attempting to reel him in, but the colt battled on gamely down the lane to hold on for a neck win over a hard-charging Twin City. Philp My Dear was third. J’adoro was fourth.
The final time over the Tapeta was 1.52.00.
“I was looking at his form previous to the race and I know that he had natural speed sprinting,” said Stein. “First time going two turns, I figured his best bet would be to try and get him to relax on the lead. He was very relaxed and travelling comfortably within himself. He looks to me like a router. He has that kind of physique.”
Assistant trainer Denton Ebanks was busy saddling five starters in the race from the Attard barn but was pleased to have a one-three finish.
“We knew he was going to run a good race,” offered Ebanks. “He’s just always happy.”
Now 3-1-1 from five starts, Velocitor arrived at the Coronation Futurity off a half-length triumph over 6 panels on the Tapeta on September 22.
The last horse to complete the Coronation Futurity-Queen’s Plate double was Norcliffe, who won this race in 1975.
Velocitor paid $44.90 for the win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms
