Paso Doble Wires Field in New Providence
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Photo:
Eclipse Sportswire
Nine-year-old Paso Doble made his seasonal debut a winning one with a front-running effort to capture Sunday's $125,000 New Providence Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Mark Fournier for owners Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc.
and Craig Racing, the Bold n' Flashy chestnut was making his sixth
appearance in the New Providence, a six furlong 'Poly' sprint for
Ontario-sired horses, having previously won the 2011
and 2013 editions.
Paso Doble, with Eurico Rosa da Silva up, marked the opening
quarter in :22.18 under pressure from Seffeara and Sorry About That.
The chestnut rocketed a half-mile in :44.47, widening to a two-length
advantage through the turn, as Phil's Dream launched
a rally from fourth position.
Paso Doble maintained his at the top of the lane and stayed on
strong under steady encouragement from da Silva to notch a 2 3/4-length
win. Phil's Dream, Canada's champion sprinter of 2013, held on for
place, 3/4-lengths in front of San Nicola Thunder.
Paso Doble covered six furlongs in 1:08.77.
Fournier was pleased with the effort of the speedy Paso Doble.
"I was a little bit surprised, coming off a layoff against these
kinds of horses, but he has been training forwardly and we were
confident he would run a good race. He loves his job," said Fournier.
Paso Doble banked $75,000 in victory, pushing his bankroll over the
$1-million mark, while improving his record to 13-11-8 from 47 career
starts.
He paid $7.90, $4.10 and $3.30, combining with Phil's Dream ($4.20,
$3.20) for a $34 (8-2) exactor. An 8-2-9 triactor (San Nicola Thunder,
$5.80 to show) was worth $235.60, while a $1 Superfecta [8-2-9-1
(Spadina Road)] came back $687.40.
Jockeys Emma-Jayne Wilson and Steve Bahen recovering after spill
Jockeys Emma-Jayne Wilson and Steve Bahen were taken to Humber River Hospital after being involved in a spill in the fifth race on Sunday at Woodbine.
The incident occurred when Allowed, with Bahen up, appeared to clip
heels with On Top of the Bay during the stretch run of the 1 1/16-miles
route sending Bahen to the track. Wilson, in close pursuit of Allowed
aboard Minnow Money, was thrown from her
mount attempting to avoid the incident.
Bahen and Wilson, both conscious and alert on track, were taken to
Humber River Hospital for further evaluation. Allowed and Minnow Money
appeared in good order and walked back to the barn under their own
power.
Both riders appear to be doing well after the spill.
“Steve seems to be in good order and we’re just awaiting x-rays,”
said Bahen’s agent Ron Burke. “He’s in good spirits and wants to come
back to work tomorrow.”
Mike Luider, longtime agent for Wilson, said, “We’re waiting on results from an MRI and we’re very optimistic at this point.”
Jim Lawson, Woodbine Entertainment Group’s newly appointed CEO, expressed his concern for both riders.
"I am relieved that both Steve and Emma have come out of the incident with relatively minor injuries. I have a long history with both riders and I am keeping in close contact with their agents as they continue to be assessed," said Lawson. "I was genuinely moved by the outpouring of concern from our close-knit community regarding the welfare of these two popular riders."
Source: Woodbine Communications
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