A Mile in style
Master of The Seas (IRE), trained by Charlie Appleby for owner/breeder Godolphin, put on a masterful performance in Saturday’s Grade 1 Ricoh Woodbine Mile. Under William Buick, the 5-year-old son of Dubawi (IRE)-Firth of Lorne (IRE) powered home down the long E.P. Taylor turf stretch to win the $1 million classic.
What a finish
Patches O’Houlihan, who has emerged as one of Canada’s top sprinters, had his hands full in Saturday’s $150,000 Vigil Stakes (G3). Coming into the race, the 3-year-old son of Reload-Maythefourthbwithu had won five consecutive races. He put in a gutsy effort to push that streak to six, besting the hard-charging duo of Last American Exit and Secret Reserve to take the six-furlong sprint over the Tapeta.
Run with it
Carson’s Run, under Dylan Davis, came roaring down the lane to take the $500,000 bet365 Summer Stakes (G1T) on Saturday, and with it, punched his ticket to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita on November 3. The son of Cupid-Hot N Hectic, trained by Christopher Clement, is now 2-1-0 from three career starts.
And the ‘Dance’ continues…
Brave Dancer, under Ryan Munger, broke his maiden in his fourth start, an authoritative 4 ¾-length victory at seven furlongs on the Tapeta on Sunday. Trained by Steve Attard for Racing Canada, Inc., the 2-year-old son of Frac Daddy-Audacious Bear made his debut this July at the Toronto oval.
Worth hearing
“It’s the right time. I don’t feel I have anything left to prove. I am so grateful to all the trainers, owners and my fellow riders for their support. Just like anyone who rides horses, there are many ups and downs, but you always find a way to persevere.”
– Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee and Queen’s Plate-winning rider Gary Boulanger, who called it a career on Saturday.
Worth watching
She Feels Pretty, with John Velazquez in the irons, took top prize in the Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes on Saturday, and earned her connections an all-fees paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup on November 3 at Santa Anita.
Worth knowing
A pair of stakes, namely, the Ontario-sired Bull Page and Victorian Queen, share the spotlight on Saturday at Woodbine. The 2-year-old races each go for $100,000.
https://woodbine.com/stakes-schedule/
