09/01/2012 5:25PM

Woodbine: Tu Endie Wei outfinishes Roxy Gap in Seaway Stakes

By Ron Gierkink
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Tu Endie Wei ($7.50) outran 2-5 favorite Roxy Gap in the stretch to capture the Grade 3, $168,500 Seaway Stakes at Woodbine Saturday.

Tu Endie Wei and Roxy Gap vied for the lead through soft fractions in the seven-furlong sprint. Tu Endie Wei took control along the inside early in the stretch, and then held Roxy Gap and Patrick Husbands at bay while drifting out to prevail by a length, in 1:24.12. Jenny’s So Great finished another 2 1/2 lengths back in third in the five-horse field.

It was the third win on the day for Jim McAleney, who rode Tu Endie Wei for owner/breeder Brereton Jones and trainer Reade Baker.

“She was just brilliant,” said McAleney. “All the way down the backside, even though the splits were moderate, she was comfortable. Patrick got after his filly at the quarter pole, and I kinda thought I had him, but Roxy Gap came back. I wasn’t sure if I was a winner at the eighth pole, but I think this filly graduated to a mare today. She ran tough."