Artful Ballerina wins maiden in Georgian Bay

ETOBICOKE, Ontario -- Artful Ballerina graduated in style under Emma-Jayne Wilson in Saturday’s $80,000 Georgian Bay, the first of two five-furlong inner turf stakes for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds on the Woodbine card.

Artful Ballerina ($14.30) stalked along the inside and was steadied early on the turn, as Benny’s Button and Humble Beginnings fought for the lead. After regrouping, Artful Ballerina closed along the rail to prevail by two lengths, in 56.96 over the firm ground.

Meet the Soprano closed outside from last to beat out the favored Sunsprite for second in the six-horse field of fillies.

Wilson said Artful Ballerina lost her momentum heading into the turn in her first start on the course.

“She lost her hind end a touch,” Wilson said. “Young horses, still learning. This inner turf is unique. It’s challenging on any given day, and [especially] going five-eighths first time on it. We were tight to the rail. She didn’t quite take the turn. When she re-rallied and quickened, it was like we were shot out of a cannon.”

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Trained by Darwin Banach, Artful Ballerina earned $48,000 for owners William Sorokolit Jr. and Vandyk Sunny Stables.

Forest Survivor ($3.10) won the $80,000 Lake Huron for colts and geldings in front-running fashion under Kazushi Kimura.

Forest Survivor disposed of All Canadian on the lead and then drew off for a 1 3/4-length win over a closing Galvaston, in a time of 57.33. Jocularity finished third in the six-horse field.

Trained by Norm McKnight, Forest Survivor banked $48,000 for owner Bruno Schickedanz, who claimed him for $25,000 here a year ago.