July 1, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
King of the Castle
Kingsbarns reigned supreme in the $1 million Stephen Foster (G1) on Saturday at Aqueduct.
The 4-year-old colt, who closed at a curious 9-1, stifled seven rivals with a perfectly timed charge to steal the 1 1/8-mile contest by 2 ½ lengths.
No stranger to winning major events on the North American Thoroughbred calendar, the Stephen Foster marked Kingsbarns’ third career graded title.
Before Saturday’s stellar performance, the Todd Pletcher trainee found the winner’s circle in the 2023 Louisiana Derby (G3) and this past April’s Ben Ali (G3).
Now sporting a dominant 6-2-0 line through nine lifetime starts, Kingsbarns’ most impactful victory to date rewarded bettors with a handsome $21.90 return on a $2 bet.
I Think I Like it Here
Ottoman Fleet (GB) has sure enjoyed his time away from home. The 5-year-old colt added to his resounding North American success with a no-stress Wise Dan (G2) victory on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Making his fifth start since chartering over the Atlantic, Ottoman Fleet cruised to his third graded conquest with a 1 ½-length gate-to-wire score in the $500,000 affair.
While the Charles Appleby charge’s dominance was recognized by bettors and oddsmakers alike, the 3-5 choice still delivered against high expectations to earn a second consecutive graded triumph.
Ottoman Fleet captured the Arlington (G3) last time out on June 1.
Saturday’s impressive feat paid a modest $3.40.
Between the Tackles
Spectators at Churchill Downs were treated to an equine reenactment of former Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch’s infamous ‘Beast Quake’ in the $500,000 Fleur De Lis (G2).
In the role of Lynch was a remarkable 4-year-old filly by the name of Scylla (4-5), who pinballed her way to the finish line through tight quarters for what many considered her most impressive score so far – and that’s saying something.
Although Saturday’s effort only came by a neck’s margin, the Bill Mott trainee overcame a steward’s inquiry into the rough and tumble run to secure her second straight graded trophy.
Still perfect in terms of finding the podium (7: 5-1-1), Scylla’s adventurous outing paid $3.82.
Nothing I’m not Used to
For some, racing in a new country for the first time can be daunting. For others, like 4-year-old filly Implicated, business is business no matter the place.
That was the case this past Saturday when the Brendan Walsh protégé travelled outside of the United States to Woodbine for the $175,000 Nassau (G2).
Lining up head-to-head against 2023 Canadian Horse of the Year Fev Rover (IRE), Implicated showed no fear as the champion sprinter began closing ground in the late stages.
The Declan Cannon mount ultimately held on for a 1 ¾-length clearance and her second career graded triumph (2023 Grade 3 Pebbles).
At 5-1, Implicated paid a cool $13.30.
Give it to me Straight
Those hoping for a twist ending to the $225,000 Debutante at Churchill Downs did not get their wish. They were, however, treated to a spirited effort from Vodka With a Twist.
Making her stakes debut, the 2-year-old filly proved more than ready for an ascent up the ranks as evidenced by a dominant gate-to-wire victory.
Six rivals had no answers for Vodka With a Twist on Sunday afternoon. When it appeared the Phil D’Amato trainee may have been ceding ground, she simply switched to another gear and crossed the finish line three lengths ahead of the board’s second choice, So There She Was (2-1).
The exciting rookie is now a perfect 2-for-2 since dropping to fourth in her debut contest on Apr. 24.
Sunday’s Debutante delivery paid $4.62.
