Casse charges go 1, 2, 3 in Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes

TORONTO, September 14, 2024 – And One More Time, closing down the middle of the track under Rafael Hernandez, got the measure of stablemates Vixen, and Nitrogen in Saturday’s Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes for 2-year-old fillies.

The Natalma, a $500,000 turf race contested over one mile of grass, is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and entitles the winner to automatic entry in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. That Grade 1, one-mile event will be run at Del Mar on November 1.

In a sign of what was to come in the latter stages, Nitrogen, and And One More Time were one-two as the field settled into stride, followed by fellow Mark Casse pupil Vixen through an opening quarter in :23.28 over firm going on the E.P. Taylor turf.

It was status quo amongst the lead trio through a half in :46.57, while Annascaul, second choice at 7-2 on the tote board, skimmed the rail in fourth, while 4-5 choice, Mountain Breeze (IRE), was tenth of 11.

The trio continued to match strides around the turn for home, but the drama was just beginning as Vixen, in rein to John Velazquez came calling, while a game Nitrogen, dug in gamely to the inside, with And One More Time powering on in the middle.

Nitrogen was a length clear at the stretch call as the three-pronged battle continued to intensify as the finish line drew nearer.

At the wire, And One More Time eked out a neck score over Vixen. Nitrogen was a half-length further back in third. Italian Soiree was fourth.

The final time was 1:33.99.

Ready to Battle, Annascaul, Ready for Candy, Mountain Breeze, Will Reign, Thread, and Artic Velocity completed the order of finish.

The Natalma was the first stakes test and the first grass race for the daughter of Omaha Beach-Complicated.

For dual hall of fame trainer Casse, it was his eighth Natalma crown.

“You know, when I asked her down the lane, she didn’t care where she was,” said Hernandez, who won the 2022 edition of the Natalma with Last Call. “She just does her job, and you don’t get intimidated.”

“She just ran wonderfully,” added assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan. “A lot of heart. We knew from her race of Saratoga, we had a special filly, but I think she really proved it today.”

And More Time, who was purchased by Live Oak Plantation for $750,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale, was starting for only the third time after a seventh in her debut at Churchill Downs on June 26 and a maiden-breaking effort last time out at Saratoga on August 8.

She paid $35.40.  An all-Casse triactor paid $1,101.55 for $1.

Chris Lomon, Woodbine