Skip to main content

Elysian Field back on winning track in Grade 3 Seaway, leads Casse podium sweep

August 23, 2025

TORONTO, August 23, 2025 – Gary Barber and Team Valor International LLC’s Elysian Field returned to winning form courtesy of a determined score in the $150,000 Seaway Stakes (G3) on Saturday afternoon at Woodbine.

It was stablemates Olivia Rose, to the outside, and Stormcast, the 9-5 mutuel choice, who charged to the front early in the seven-furlong main track feature for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up. Fellow Mark Casse trainee and defending Seaway champion Ticker Tape Home sat third, and Elysian Field settled into sixth through an opening quarter in :22.42.

The Casse trio continued to show the way – in the same order – through a half in :44.68, as Pietro Moran, aboard Elysian Field, began to make steady gains with a five-wide move mid-way through the turn for home.

With less than 220 yards to run, Elysian Field struck front, as Ticker Tape Home and Stormcast looked to re-rally to her inside, while A Little Frisky skimmed the rail looking to get into the mix.

Elysian Field arrived at the wire a one-length winner. Ticker Tape Home was second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Stormcast. A Little Frisky was fourth. Weigh the Risks was scratched.

The final time was 1:21.87.

Elysian Field and jockey Pietro Moran winning the Seaway Stakes on August 23, 2025 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Elysian Field and jockey Pietro Moran winning the Seaway Stakes on August 23, 2025 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

“Obviously, there was a lot of speed in the race,” said Moran. “I was just trying to get her out, get her in a good spot where she was comfortable. We were in a great spot. And when I called upon her, she fired.

“She’s versatile,” continued Moran. “I mean, you’ve seen her record. Her talent speaks for herself.”

Supplemented to the Seaway, the 5-year-old daughter of Hard Spun out of the Smart Strike mare Elysian is now 5-6-0 from 16 starts, returned to the races off an eight-month layoff on July 11, finishing ninth at Colonial Downs.

Bred by Anderson Farms Ont. Inc., the chestnut was the 2023 Woodbine Oaks winner and King’s Plate runner-up that same year.

Elysian Field was a $70,000 purchase at the 2022 OBS Company June Two-Year-Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale. ​

She paid $9 for the Seaway win.

Chris Lomon, Woodbine

Share This: