Thatlookonyerface Springs 32-1 Upset in Marine Stakes

Dominion Bloodstock and Barry Butzer's Thatlookonyerface split rivals in the shadow of the wire to win a photo over Bear'sway in Saturday's $150,000 Grade III Marine Stakes, at Woodbine.

Trained by David Cotey, Thatlookonyerface left the gate at 32-1 in the 1 1/16-miles Tapeta route for three-year-olds that featured Riker, Canada's champion two-year-old male of 2015, and recent Wando Stakes champ Bear'sway.

Thatlookonyerface, by Summer Bird, graduated in a maiden claiming route on November 14 at Woodbine in his penultimate juvenile start and then closed the campaign with a promising fourth-place run in a six furlong allowance sprint. 

He arrived at the Marine from a difficult effort in the Wando when checked down the backstretch, eventually rallying to finish fourth, placed third through disqualification.

Riker, reunited with regular rider Jesse Campbell, led the way in the Marine setting splits of :22.49 and :48.59 as the 7-5 mutuel favourite.  Bear'sway left from the inside post in the field of six under leading rider Eurico Rosa da Silva, before angling off the rail down the backstraight to press Riker's early foot.

Thatlookonyerface, patiently handled by Gary Boulanger, saved ground from fifth position as Riker took a precarious lead through the turn with Bear'sway, Greatest Game and Dragon Bay all looming large. 

Bear'sway eventually wore down a determined Riker, but it was Thatlookonyerface who angled off the rail and then found a seam between the tiring pacesetter and a stubborn Bear'sway to earn a narrow nose score.  Greatest Game completed the triactor, a nose back of Bear’sway, while just a neck in front of Dragon Bay.

Boulanger wasn't certain he had the race won.

"I didn't know," said Boulanger. "We were battling. The horse was trying, I was trying and then we pulled up and Rob Love (Woodbine outrider) said, 'I think it's you'."

"He settled more today. Last time we got in quite a bit of trouble down the backside," continued Boulanger. "This time we had a clear trip. He showed me a lot of character last time."

The Marine marked the first stakes score of the season for both Boulanger and Cotey.  The veteran rider, a winner of five added-money events in 2015, was full of praise for his mount's brave effort.

"I didn't have much choice where to go," said Boulanger of the eventful stretch run. "Eurico (aboard Bear'sway) floated out a bit and then he started coming back in and that was the only place I had. Thank God he had enough courage to go in there. He fought all the way to the wire. Today was our day."

Thatlookonyerface, bred in Kentucky by Sun Valley Farm, banked $90,000 in victory while improving his record to 2-0-1 from eight starts.

 

He paid $66.70, $13.40 and $4.80, combining with Bear'sway ($4.80, $3.10) for a $364.60 (5-1) exactor. A 5-1-2 triactor (Greatest Game, $2.60 to show) was worth $705.10.

Mark Casse, an eight-time Sovereign Award winner as Canada's outstanding trainer, notched his 2000th career win on Saturday when Reimburse captured the second race at Gulfstream Park.

 

Sent to post as the 8-5 mutuel favourite in the one-mile turf event, Reimburse, a Gabe Grossberg homebred, settled off the early pace under rider Tyler Gaffalione before unfurling an impressive stretch run for a comfortable score. He paid $5.20 to win.

 

“We're excited to be able win it with Gabe Grossberg; he's been a loyal owner for many years,” said Casse.

 

Casse won his first race as a trainer at Keeneland with Joe’s Coming, his first starter, on April 14, 1979. 

 

A 10-time leading trainer at Woodbine, the Indiana native's name is synonymous with success in Canadian racing having recently been elected to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

 

Casse, who has horses based in Ontario, Florida and Kentucky, was keen to share the moment with his team.  His assistant trainers include his son Norman in Kentucky, Jamie Begg at Gulfstream Park, as well as Kathryn Sullivan and David Adams at Woodbine. 

 

“We have such a wonderful team.  When we first started I was doing it all. I don't know how many times I drove the horse van to Churchill Downs,” said Casse. “Even now, I still have the same love that I have for the game and what I've tried to do with our team is go and find people that have the same passion. 

 

“I think that's one of the things that make this so great,” continued Casse. “I work with a number of people who share that same passion.”

A truly family affair, Casse also wished to thank his wife, Tina, for her continued support.

“I couldn't do it without Tina. She makes sure everything works from a financial standpoint so I don't have to worry about that,” said Casse.

 

With 35 years in the game, it’s a testament to Casse’s continued growth as a trainer that 2015 was arguably his best year ever.

 

At Woodbine, Casse surpassed the $5-million mark in earnings for the fifth consecutive year, while recording his ninth straight training title and tenth overall, winning 80 races.

 

A banner 2015 for Casse also saw Catch a Glimpse burst onto the national scene in September with a victory in the Grade II Natalma Stakes, a Breeders' Cup Win & You're In event.  She followed through on her promise by besting a field of 14 in the Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf to provide Casse with his first Breeders' Cup winner.  Catch a Glimpse was named Canada's Horse of the Year for her efforts.

 

2015 was also a breakthrough season for turf darling, Tepin. The multiple graded stakes winning filly enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning five of seven starts including the Grade I Breeders' Cup Mile, en route to Eclipse Award honours as Champion Grass Mare.

 

Casse again was quick to share the success with his team including those working at his farm in Ocala, Florida.

 

“Mitch Downs and Cindy Black have been with us 35 years and 25 years each. They're the ones behind the scenes that allow everyone to see these horses run and win,” said Casse. “A lot of people don't realize horses like Tepin were all broke and started at our farm and came up through our system. I'm very proud of that as well.”

 

While there are many great moments over Casse’s 2000 career scores, one does stand out above the rest.

 

“It would have to be Tepin winning the Breeders' Cup Mile,” said Casse. “She didn't just beat the boys, she destroyed them. You saw my emotion when it happened and that was after 35 years of racing. 

 

“And I have to say,” continued Casse. “The win by Catch a Glimpse the day before in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf was also huge.”

 

Tepin is expected to make her next start in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot with a follow-up date at Woodbine in September in consideration.

 

Casse's list of memorable horses is a lengthy one including four Horses of the Year in Canada – Catch a Glimpse (2015), Lexie Lou (2014), Uncaptured (2012) and Sealy Hill(2007), the only filly to win the Canadian Triple Tiara.

 

Other notable Casse runners include Grade I winners Dark Ending, Exciting Story, Pool Play, Spring in the Air, My Conquestadory and Noble Bird.