TORONTO, June 27, 2026 –A South African jockey teamed with a Manitoba-bred colt to score an 18-1 win upset win in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade 3-Marine Stakes at Woodbine. Ridden by Ryan Munger, Brachetto (MB) broke from post position 5 and settled kindly in 5th position heading into the first turn, in the 1 1/16th King’s Plate prep for 3-year-olds. Into the backstretch, King Corrie Stakes winner Casson showed the way by a half-length to 2025 Coronation Futurity winner Fire and Wine, through an opening quarter-mile in 23.45. Fire and Wine continued to hound Casson at close range, through an opening half-mile in 47.01. Magical Factor sized up the top pair from 3rd, as Brachetto saved good ground, trailing the field of 6 into the far turn. Around the bend, Fire and Wine retreated as the two favourites Magical Factor and Casson hooked up in earnest. Brachetto, given his cue by Munger, accelerated nicely inside the 5/16s pole and took aim on the leaders, through and opening 6 panels in 1:12.25. Into the lane, Magical Factor took a clear advantage on a weakening Casson, with Brachetto gathering momentum in 3rd. Munger swung the son of Vekoma out to the 3-path for the drive, gamely collaring Magical Factor inside the 1/16th pole, kicking on to score by a determined ½ length in final time of 1:44.94. Brachetto and jockey Ryan Munger winning Marine Stakes on June 27. 2026 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) A stoked Munger, pumping his fist across the wire, encouraged trainer Julia Carey to continue on the route path with the bay colt and it paid off handsomely. “I really thought he would enjoy the two turns and I’m very glad he showed that today at the races, definitely his stiffest test, but he’s passed it with flying colours, and I’m very chuffed with him today,” said Munger. “He just plugged away doggedly, and he got there at the line.” Owned and bred in Manitoba by Dr. Ross McKague, Brachetto was making his 3rd start off the layoff, having broken his maiden in his 3-year-old debut, then following with a good 3rd place effort in the 7-furlong Queenston Stakes on June 7th. “He was one of the last ones we’ve had at our farm. And he was raised right until he was almost a 2-year-old, so he’s 100 per cent Manitoba-bred,” said a beaming Dr. McKague. Out of the Include mare Colorino, Brachetto picked up his first career stakes win, while improving to 2-1-1 from 5 starts. Named after a fine strain of Italian grape, Brachetto was 10-1 on the morning line, floated up to 18-1 and returned $38.60 for the win. In a rare edition of the Marine, that lacked a non-Canadian bred, Magical Factor, Casson, and Yukon Striker completed the top 4 order of finish. -30- Phil McSween, Woodbine Share This:Share
