11/18/2012 6:03PM

Woodbine: Nipissing remains unbeaten by taking South Ocean

By Ron Gierkink
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Michael Burns
The 2-year-old filly Nipissing improves to 4 for 4 by winning the South Ocean under Steve Bahen.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Nipissing, the 1-10  favorite, extended her unbeaten record to four races Sunday at Woodbine with an easy score in the $125,000 South Ocean Stakes.

Nipissing raced on the outside in third on the backstretch, as Seeking Toussaud set honest fractions in the 1 1/16-mile  route for Ontario-sired 2-year-old  fillies.

Nipissing hit the front at the quarter pole, and then gradually drew away to prevail by four lengths over Otonabee, who like Nipissing, is owned by Chiefswood Stable. Dancing Bay finished third in the five-horse field.

Steve Bahen got a leg up from trainer Rachel Halden on Nipissing, who covered the distance in 1:45.79.

“She’s always done everything I’ve asked her to do,” said Halden. “She’s just been a great filly to be around—very straightforward and uncomplicated. She’s just a pleasure.”

Nipissing ($2.30) earned $75,000, which boosted her bankroll to $297,180.