Frosted Over draws off to triumph in the Dominion Day

Frosted Over, under leading rider Kazushi Kimura, drew away from his foes with ease to take the Grade 3, CAN$156,600 Dominion Day Stakes on Canada Day Friday at Woodbine.

During the post parade Frosted Over was on his toes, looking ready to put in a top performance. Down the lane in the 1 1/8-mile main track feature for four-year-olds and up, he ran his rivals off their feet.

It was Mighty Heart, Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2020 and 2021, who grabbed the early lead in the Dominion Day. Frosted Over sat second to his outside, with Skywire and War Bomber tussling for third spot through a quarter in 24.45 seconds.

Mighty Heart continued to call the shots on the front end with Kimura maintaining a patient hand on Frosted Over, who was a length behind the pacesetter after a half timed in 49.44 seconds.

As the seven-horse field (Primo Touch and Avoman were scratched) made their way into the final turn, Kimura gave Frosted Over his cue, and the son of Frosted-Candy Crush responded with an impressive turn of foot, striking front and then quickly skipping away from his rivals.

Ahead by three lengths at the stretch call, Frosted Over crossed the line an easy 4 3/4-length winner. Artie’s Storm, riding a three-race win streak coming into the Dominion Day, bested Mighty Heart, who won last year’s race, by a half-length for second. Special Forces rounded out the top four.

The final time was 1:49.46.

“Today, when he got [the] outside [post], I wasn’t going to do anything special,” said Kimura. “He was able to stay close easily, just beside Mighty Heart. I just asked him from the three-eighths, and he just nailed it.”

Owned by Gary Barber and trained by Mark Casse, the four-year-old colt came into the Dominion Day off a second-place finish to Artie’s Storm in the Grade 2 Eclipse on May 29.

With the victory, the ultra-consistent bay, bred in Kentucky by G. Watts Humphrey, Jr., now has four wins, two seconds and a third from 10 career starts.

“Last time was a smaller field and easier for the behind runners,” said Kimura. “My horse just always stayed close and was comfortable. That’s a good thing for him.”

Frosted Over returned $8.20, $4.00 and $2.40, combining with Artie’s Storm ($3.60, $2.30) for a $23.70 exactor. Mighty Heart ($2.70) rounded out a $56.40 triactor. Special Forces completed a $1 superfecta worth $125.30.