A look at some of the top highlights from the past weekend of racing at Woodbine. Razor sharp Hammerhead, making his fourth appearance in a graded stakes, tracked down his first title in the $150,000 bet365 Valedictory (G3), for 3-year-olds and up, Saturday at Woodbine. With rider Daisuke Fukumoto aboard, Hammerhead, after exercising great patience in the early goings, made his move for the lead just after the three-quarters mark. Still running confidently on top after a mile in 1:45.18, the Kevin Attard charge maintained his poise and effort level while straightening for home and had plenty left in the tank to hold on for the one-length decision. Fellow Attard trainee Jokestar finished second to complete the Attard 3-9 exacta. Hammerhead, a $225,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale, paid $9.70. Hammerhead and Daisuke Fukumoto. Michael Burns Photography V is for victory Rider Rafael Hernandez reclaimed the top spot on Woodbine’s wins ladder courtesy of a five-win performance on Saturday afternoon. The Sovereign Award-winning jockey got the ball rolling with a pair of victories in the card’s second and third, piloting Naughty Destiny and Galley Head, respectively. Hernandez collected wins number three and four also in back-to-back fashion, finding the winner’s circle in the sixth with Gone With Duwyn and the seventh with Tequilasoupernova. What he then followed up with a trio of runner-up outings in the eighth, ninth, and tenth, Hernandez tracked down his fifth tally of the day in the 11th aboard Ever Dangerous. Hernandez currently paces Woodbine’s rider colony with 138 wins on the season. Gone With Duwyn and Rafael Hernandez. Michael Burns Photography Gone with the win It was a Sunday to remember for Good as Gone, who was exactly that after grabbing the early lead in Woodbine’s seventh. Owned and trained by Nick Nosowenko, the chestnut daughter of Nyquist–Rapid Racer made her intentions clear from the get-go, taking command of the 1 1/16-mile claiming contest from the jump and increasing her buffer at every checkpoint for the 3 ½-length triumph. The impressive showing marked Good as Gone’s second visit to the winner’s circle this season and her second in her last three starts (7: 2-1-0). As the 6-5 choice Sunday, Good as Gone paid $4.60. Good as Gone and Pietro Moran. Michael Burns Photography Stay tuned Live racing continues on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Share This:Share
