Pirate’s Trove stays undefeated in Etobicoke

TORONTO, September 1 – Al Shahania Racing’s Pirate’s Trove remained undefeated through three career starts with an impressive score in Monday’s $111,800 Etobicoke Stakes, at Woodbine.

Trained by Michael Stidham, the bay daughter of Speightstown won on debut at her home track of Arlington Park on May 31 and then shipped to Woodbine to record a narrow nose score in the Duchess Stakes on July 20.

Sent to post as the 3-5 mutuel favourite in the Etobicoke, a six furlong ‘Poly’ tilt for three-year-old filles, Pirate’s Trove enjoyed a perfect ground saving trip under regular rider Florent Geroux.

Zensational Bunny set a swift tempo clicking off splits of :22.29 and :44.66 with Russian Jewel hot on her heels. Pirate’s Trove settled comfortably along the rail in fourth position, but was in need of racing room through the turn.

When the field straightened away at the top of the lane, Geroux angled Pirate’s Trove between Zensational Bunny and Russian Jewel and kicked away to a 4 1/2-length win. Russian Jewel stayed on for second over a rallying On Rainbow Bridge. Pirate’s Trove covered six furlongs in 1:09.32.

"She was much better this time than last time out," said Geroux. "She’s getting better and better and I’m looking forward to the future."

Geroux was confident throughout despite having to wait for racing room.

"Even if I had waited a bit longer it would have been fine," said Geroux. "When she made the lead, she waited a bit on the other horses.

"You can put her anywhere you want, in front or behind horses. We’ve been schooling her a lot behind horses and she’s probably better coming from off the pace. She has a better kick at the end."

Pirate’s Trove, bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm & M R Capital, banked $60,000 in victory while remaining undefeated through three starts.

She returned $3.30, $2.60 and $2.10, pairing with Russian Jewel ($5, $3.10 for a $14.80 (3-6) exactor. A 3-6-5 (On Rainbow Bridge, $3.80 to show) triactor was worth $68.10. Zensational Bunny completed a $1 Superfecta (3-6-5-4) worth $71.20.