Bear’sway rides golden rail to Wando victory

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Benefiting from a clever ride by Eurico Da Silva, Bear’sway rode an inside-speed bias to victory in the $100,600 Wando Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday.

Amis Gizmo, the 4-5 favorite, set the early pace in the 1 1/16- mile test for 3-year-olds, while Bear’sway ($9.90) stalked in third along the rail. Bear’sway moved up to duel for the lead with Amis Gizmo on the backstretch, and then took control before holding off Dragon Bay in the final furlong to prevail by a neck, in 1:45.04.

Thatlookonyerface, a 95-1 outsider, was promoted from fourth to third after the disqualification of Conquest Windycity, who was placed fourth. The previously unbeaten Amis Gizmo faded to fifth in the seven-horse field, in his first start of the year.

It was the first stakes score for Bear’sway, a son of Tizway who banked $60,000 for Bear Stable and trainer Reade Baker.

“When I worked this horse, he was very relaxed,” said Da Silva. “I wanted to be behind horses today. The pace in the first quarter was pretty good, but then it started slowing down, and I saw a gap inside and let him go a little bit, because he was getting tough on me. He’s a wonderful animal, and I think he’s going to get better and better. He’s a very nice horse.”