Authenicat delivers as favorite in Ballade

Authenicat ($3.30) circled wide into contention at the quarter pole before drawing clear for a fairly easy victory in the $127,000 Ballade Stakes at Woodbine.

Only If Split led the way in the six-furlong sprint, setting fractions of 22.99 and 45.86 seconds. Authenicat raced in midpack on the backstretch, and loomed into contention on the turn. She hit the front near the eighth pole, before drawing clear for a 1 1/2-length win over a closing Mia d'Cougar. Krz Exec wound up third in the 10-horse field of Ontario-sired fillies and mares.

Robert Landry rode Authenicat for trainer Josie Carroll.

"One thing about this filly, you always know when you bring her over that she's going to show up and run," said Carroll. "It was a big field, and we were worried about getting into some trouble. There was some speed up front, and Rob did a masterful job being patient with her."

Authenicat covered the distance in 1:10.22, and banked $75,000 for Fog City Stable and Vinery Stable.- Ron Gierkink