TORONTO, July 2—Aldous Snow had captured the 2014 and 2015 editions of the Singspiel Stakes for trainer Malcolm Pierce and owner Sam-Son Farm. So it would not have been much a surprise to see Aldous Snow in the winner’s circle following a neck score in the 1 ½ mile turf race were it not for the fact that he was making his first start of the season at a advanced age of 8 years. The gelding had last seen action in last year’s closing-day Valedictory at 1 ¾ on the Tapeta. “This horse does really well here,” said Pierce.” I was a little concerned not having a prep race for him, but it all worked out and the turf stayed fairly firm for us so he showed up again today at eight years old.” Aldous Snow was sent away at 6-1 under jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva, who also had been aboard for the 2015 Singspiel. The veteran raced raced in fifth place as Reporting Star cruised on a clear lead through fractions of :25.89, :50.19, and 1:14.37. The pace picked up as Reporting Star maintained his advantage through a mile in 1:38.38 but the favorite was beginning to weaken and had been collared by Pumpkin Rumble as the 1 ¼ miles went in 2:02.20. Pumpkin Rumble, the longest shot in the field at 10-1, had tracked Reporting Star from second with Bangkok and Bullards Alley alternating between third and fourth place. Reporting Star had no answer as Pumpkin Rumble moved on to challenge in earnest turning into the stretch. By now, Bullards Alley also was also kicking in and had taken charge by a length with a furlong to run. Aldous Snow was in high gear, however, and although it looked that Pumpkin Rumble would hold him at bay the veteran surged to victory in 2:27.42. Bullards Alley was a very game second, finishing 3 ¾ lengths before Pumpkin Rumble. Reporting Star faltered to fourth while Bangkok, the Valedictory winner who had come back to score in his 2017 bow, was within striking range early but failed to muster a serious rally and ended fifth. Curlins Pride trailed throughout .Ethical Funds, who had been cross-entered in Saturday’s Dominion Day and the Singspiel, opted for Saturday’s spot. Aldous Snow also had been cross-entered and his connections picked the right spot. Aldous Snow returned $14.60, $5.90 and $4.30 and topped a 1-6 exacta with Bullards Alley ($4.40, $3.40) worth $66.40. The 1-6-7 trifecta with Pumpkin Rumble ($4.30) paid $304.20 and the 1-6-7-3 superfecta ending with Reporting Star was worth $508.15 for $1. Share This:Share
