Bear Character best in Swynford

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Alberta invader Bear Character, the second-longest shot in the four-horse field, caught front-running Ballado Dancer in deep stretch to capture Sunday's $132,750 Swynford Stakes at Woodbine.

Jockey Patrick Husbands put Ballado Dancer on the lead after the start of the seven-furlong sprint for 2-year-olds, and they set moderate fractions while being pressed by Run Justin Run.

Bear Character loomed three-wide into contention on the turn, and gradually wore down Ballado Dancer to prevail by a half-length, in a final time of 1:23.38 seconds. Bright N Golden, the 3-5 favorite, rallied belatedly for third, finishing four lengths in arrears.

"Patrick looked like he had a lot of horse, and was having everything his own way," said Jim McAleney, who rode Bear Character for trainer Dale Greenwood. "My horse was tactical enough to let me be where I wanted, and to take a run at (Ballado Dancer) when I wanted."

Bear Character ($15.20) banked $83,632 for owner Bear Stables Ltd.

There was no place or show wagering on the race.

* Noble Stella ($3.70) won Sunday's supporting feature, the $110,600 Flaming Page Stakes for fillies and mares, by nine and a quarter lengths under Emile Ramsammy.

Noble Stella ran a mile and a half on the grass in 2:27.29, earning $65,400 for owner Gary Tanaka and trainer Roger Attfield.