Ablo cruises to easy upset over Coronation foes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Ablo, a 19-1 longshot making only his fourth career start, led at every call to win the $250,000 for Canadian-bred 2-year-olds Saturday.

A son of Lite the Fuse trained by Roger Attfield, Ablo was in an early pace duel with California invader Leo Getz before edging clear at the half-mile marker. Ablo, under jockey Gerry Olguin, was never challenged from that point and scored by 1 1/2 lengths over two other longshots, Nikey Missile and Feather Bed Lane.

Slew's Saga, the 3-10 favorite, faded badly and finished sixth in the seven-horse field.

The time for the 1 1/8 miles on a fast main track was 1:55.24.

"He always showed me a lot of ability, but he's had sore shins most of the year," said Attfield. "We had made all the payments for this race, so we put him in there to see what he could do. He obviously has a lot of heart and class."

Ablo, who won his maiden in his most recent start, has two wins in four starts and earnings of $191,040.

Wando's back in form

Earlier on the 10-race card, Wando, Canada's reigning Horse of the Year, confirmed he is back in championship form with a three-length score in the $103,000 Mt. Sassafras Stakes for Canadian-breds.

Wando, who was sidelined by a severe lung infection for most of the summer, stalked a pace duel between Middle Bay and Twisted Wit before taking over turning for home.

Wando sped the seven furlongs in 1:23.63 and paid $2.90 as the 1-2 choice. He has won two consecutive races since his four-month layoff, both times with his new blinkers.

Trainer Mike Keogh said Wando will get a short rest and then begin training in January at Palm Meadows with an eye to the Grade 1 Carter and Metroplitan handicaps next spring.

One for Rose repeats in Maple Leaf

One for Rose went over the $1 million mark in career earnings after her front-running score in the $235,850 Maple Leaf Stakes, a Grade 3 event.

It was the second consecutive year that One for Rose has won the Maple Leaf, and the victory may have wrapped up her second straight Sovereign Award honor for top older mare.

One for Rose slowed the pace down early in the 1 1/4-mile event, setting fractions of 24.87, 49.97, and 1:14.56 and quickly opened up six lengths on her four rivals on the final turn.

She finally won by 6 1/2 lengths in a time of 2:04.87.

The $141,510 winner's share boosted One for Rose's earnings to $1,022,243.