TORONTO, November 9, 2024 – Stormcast took control early and was full of vigor down the lane to win Saturday’s Grade 3 $135,000 Bessarabian Stakes at Woodbine. It was a spirited start to the seven-furlong main track event for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and upward, with Stormcast, second choice at 3-1, rocketing up the rail to grab the lead and then taking her rivals, including Metaphysical, in second, and Storm Miami (IRE), sitting third, through an opening panel in :23.60. In rein to Rafael Hernandez, Stormcast continued to cruise along comfortably and was a length ahead of her closest pursuer after a half in :46.62. Stormcast and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning the Bessarabian Stakes (G3) on November 9, 2024 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) Still unfettered on the front end, the 3-year-old daughter of Mitole out of the Quiet American mare Scolara rounded the turn with authority and remained resolute down the lane to notch a half-length win in a time of 1:22.43. Love to Shop, the 5-2 mutuel choice was second, Tripolina was third and Storm Miami finished fourth. Owen’s Tour Guide fell ahead of the turn for home and was humanely euthanized. It was the second straight stakes victory on the day for trainer Mark Casse, who won the Grade 3 $135,000 Maple Leaf with Elysian Field one race earlier. And just like her stablemate Elysian Field, it was the first graded triumph for Stormcast, whose initial stakes success came in the $250,000 Bison City Stakes, second race in the Canadian Triple Tiara series, on Aug. 10 at Woodbine. Owned by K E M Racing Stable, Stormcast, bred in Ontario by Dr. Tan Hyka, was a $95,000 purchase at the 2023 OBS Company March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training. She is now 3-4-1 from 8 starts. Stormcast paid $8.40 for the win. Dolce Sopresa and Sunday Shoes were scratched, the former at the gate. Chris Lomon, Woodbine Share This:Share
