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Weekend Notables and Quotables (June 3-4)

June 5, 2023

Double play

Sofia Vives won the first two races on Saturday’s card. In the curtain-raiser, the apprentice teamed with Take Charge Sousi to take the 6 ½-furlong race on the Tapeta. Domer Allure capped off the double after an easy score in a 7 ½-furlong Inner Turf race. A $2 “Sofia” double returned $34.10.

Domer Allure and jockey Sofia Vives winning race 2 on June 3, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo)
Domer Allure and jockey Sofia Vives winning race 2 on June 3, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo)

Milestone moment

Jockey Desean Bynoe notched his first Woodbine riding win, taking Saturday’s fifth race with 29-1 Crafty Oaks. Trained and owned by Keith Edwards, Crafty Oaks, a daughter of The Big Beast, returned $60 for the victory.

Crafty Oaks and jockey Desean Bynoe winning race 5 on June 3, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo)
Crafty Oaks and jockey Desean Bynoe winning race 5 on June 3, 2023 (Michael Burns Photo)

The mighty ‘Oak’

Live Oak went two-for-two in Saturday’s stakes races at Woodbine. After taking the seventh race, the Grade 2 Royal North, with Our Flash Drive, their silks were back in the winner’s circle one race later when Souper Hoity Toity held on for a neck score in the Grade 3 Belle Mahone. Dual hall of famer Mark Casse and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame rider Patrick Husbands were also part of the Live Oak double.

Our Flash Drive and jockey Patrick Husbands winning the 2023 Royal North Stakes at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Our Flash Drive and jockey Patrick Husbands winning the 2023 Royal North Stakes at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

‘Crest’ of the wave

Rockcrest put on a front-running tour de force in the inaugural running of the $100,000 Pink Lloyd Stakes. The son of Old Forester blasted out of the gates and led every step of the way. Trained and owned by Nigel Burke, Rockcrest paid $14.80 for the two-length victory.

Rockcrest and jockey Keveh Nicholls winning the Pink Lloyd Stakes on June 4, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Rockcrest and jockey Keveh Nicholls winning the Pink Lloyd Stakes on June 4, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Worth repeating

“Treason is just a good horse. We thought he was a good horse from the beginning, and he really proved himself today.” – Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll, on the winner of Sunday’s $175,000 Eclipse Stakes (G2) Presented by Don Julio.

Treason and jockey Kazushi Kimura winning the Eclipse Stakes on June 4, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Treason and jockey Kazushi Kimura winning the Eclipse Stakes on June 4, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Worth watching

Souper Hoity Toity fended off Moira, Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year, to net top prize in Saturday’s Grade 3 Belle Mahone Stakes.

Worth knowing 

Canadian-foaled sophomore stars take to the track next weekend in stakes action. On Saturday, the fillies are in the spotlight for the running of the $125,000 Fury Stakes Presented by Stella Artois. The $125,000 Queenston Stakes highlights Sunday’s card.

Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms

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