TORONTO, August 30, 2026 – Sweet Bordeaux, under Pietro Moran, stormed to an early lead and then poured it on late to take Sunday’s $300,000 Muskoka Stakes at Woodbine. After a narrow runner-up defeat in her second start on Aug. 1, the daughter of multiple graded stakes winner Tom’s d’Etat out of the Big Brown mare Miss Brown Sugar was much the best in the 6 ½-furlong sprint over the main track for 2-year-old fillies foaled in Canada. Sent off as the 9-2 third choice in the field of 12, Sweet Bordeaux, breaking from the outside post, was off and running as soon as the gates opened, as Maria Sofia, who also got away sharply, settled into second. The Stuart Simon trainee was 1 ½ lengths in front of Maria Sofia after an opening panel in :22.38 and held a one-length advantage through a half in :45.23. Still running comfortably on top, Sweet Bordeaux scampered away from her pursuers coming out of the turn for home. Ahead by 2 ½ lengths at the stretch call, the chestnut crossed the wire a 5 ¾-length winner in a time of 1:16.67. Sweet Bordeaux and jockey Pietro Moran winning the Muskoka Stakes on August 30, 2026 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) Zahari, at 42-1, was second, two lengths clear of March. Maria Sofia was fourth. Kuz I’m Charming and Flatter for Cat were scratched. “Once she did that [broke on top], it was over,” said Moran, who has been aboard for all three of the filly’s starts, including her third-place debut at 5 ½ furlongs over the Woodbine main track on June 27. “We knew she had a lot of talent, and, you know, she overcame everything today. “Obviously, it helps being the last one in,” Moran continued. “But she broke out there running, and that was it. I knew it was over. She was traveling so easy, and when I asked her, she quickened very nicely.” Sweet Bordeaux and jockey Pietro Moran winning the Muskoka Stakes on August 30, 2026 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) Bred by Spring Farm, Sweet Bordeaux was a $24,000 purchase at the 2025 CTHS Ontario Premier Yearling Sale. “She just had all the things in the right places, and she had a great female family,” said Simon, who co-owns the filly with Brent McLellan and Mercer Mackie. “I just liked a lot of things about her. And I think we got a deal. She was a little early in the sale, and she turned out to be a nice filly.” Sweet Bordeaux returned $11.90 for the Muskoka victory. -30- Chris Lomon, Woodbine Share This:Share
