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First on the ESPN card was the one mile Summer Stakes pitting eight two year olds stretching their legs on the E.P Taylor turf.
Before the race, I had a chance to watch the horses in the walking ring and observed an active Skipadate kicking his back legs up in the air demanding attention from his handler.
Win And Reign stopped by to make faces
While the filly, Freyga, was looking pretty muscular
Here's Richard Dos Ramos looking Utterly Cool on the favourite.
Garrett Gomez on the handsome Jess Not Jesse
Perfect Shower looked right into the camera and said, "Not today...next time out"
ESPN were trackside to broadcast the action.
In the end, it was won by Sam-Son Farms Grand Adventure ridden by a jubilant Eurico Rosa Da Silva
I was able to speak briefly with Jim McAleney after the race, and when I asked about his chances in the International with Spice Route, he said, "we only need to improve one length on our last race to win it..." More on that later.
The Nearctic featured 12 sprinters hustling six furlongs at breakneck speed for $500,000.
Here's Joe Bravo daydreaming about a scorching win on Hellvelyn (GB) as Storm Treasure looms large in the background.
Hellvelyn (GB) makes a stunning pre-race appearance.
Just Rushing came over to tell me he's been reading my blog
Kendrick Carmouche, focused, on eventual winner True To Tradition
After the race, top jock Garrett Gomez signed my program
The man in the red tie greeted jockey Christopher Van Hassel with a bear hug after finishing second with 52-1 shot Rouse The Cat.
Javier Castellano finished fourth on Heros Reward, but still smiled for the photo!
Next on tap was the E.P. Taylor Stakes for fillies and mares. This is a gruelling mile and a quarter event capped off by a sprint down the longest home stretch in North America.
Lanfranco Dettori would be riding Godolphin Stables Folk Opera (IRE) to a commanding victory.
J'Ray strides in front of a bustling Woodbine walking ring.
One more look at Folk Opera (IRE), what a beauty
After the race I asked Jimmy Fortune to sign my program and he said, "you can ask me anything you want, but don't ask me for money." So I asked Jimmy what his chances were with Lucarno in the International and he replied, "he's a good one, beautiful horse..."
I used my remaining funds on that one, so Jimmy - please, send money!
The feature race was the Pattison Canadian International. A mile and a half marathon for millionaires chasing a $2,000,000 purse.
Here's Champs Elysees (GB) going into the gate.
And they're off!! Look at Mourilyan rising up, up, up into the sky....
The tote board after the race lit up like a slot machine as 25-1 shot Marsh Side beat Spice Route to the wire to win the International!! Wait a second, Jimmy Mac told me Spice Route was going to win...a lousy $2 across the board is only worth $35.50 to place and $15.60 to show. hmmph!
The Champ is here! Marsh Side with Javier Castellano.
Despite a tough day wagering, I enjoyed a brilliant card of racing - and a great souvenir to go with it!
6 comments:
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What an awesome day! When Folk Opera won with ease, it only validated Zarkava's greatness--and her winning the Arc today topped it all.
Marsh Side was a complete blindside for me, as I fell into the "Europeans are better" trap.
Thanks for sharing the great photos!
Thank you for your comments Val!
Like you, I wanted a European winner in the International and it just wasnt happening. Quijano had a tough race and lacked room...Mourilyan literally jumped out of the gate and was bumped around the track.
Still, I can't take anything away from Marsh Side. A brilliant ride and a driving finish.
It's only been over for two days, and already I can't wait for next year!
Great photos.
Love that one of Goldberg...poor bastard.
I love that turf course at Woodbine. It is definitely on the world tour.
Excellent shots Keith. Pretty jealous of those jockey photos!
I love Javier on the turf...he's always ITM...
Javier is a revaltion on the turf. Prado territory!
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