TORONTO, October 8, 2021 – Marie MacKay led every step of the way in the $150,000 Shady Well Stakes Presented by Pepsi, Friday at Woodbine. The Dan Vella trainee broke running and immediately seized control of the 5 ½-furlong race for Ontario-bred juvenile fillies. She took her five rivals through early splits of :22.82 and :45.73 en route to a 2 ¼-length triumph in 1:04.03. “I was given a heads-up that she’s really, really quick,” said winning rider Justin Stein. “She’s definitely up there with the quickest I’ve ridden. She gets her feet under her right away and she’s running. You just kind of stay out of her way a little bit and hang on. We just let her run her race.” Marie MacKay and Justin Stein shine under the lights on Oct. 8, 2021 capturing the Shady Well Stakes at Woodbine. (Michael Burns Photo) Aubrieta, the 4-5 choice, trained by Mark Casse, recovered from an awkward start and rallied to finish second, while Ya Mar, also a Casse trainee, was third. Marie MacKay, second choice at 9-2, paid $11.10 for the win. Bred and owned by Track West Racing and Donald Whalen, the daughter of Noble Mission was second to Aubrieta in her career bow on September 11, also a 5 ½-furlong Tapeta race. “She need that first start,” offered Stein. “She did get a little bit tired, but I figured today she’d be a lot tighter. I figured she’s better than the rest of these ones today.” Woodbine Communications Share This:Share
