Beliveau gives Husbands third straight win on card in Clarendon

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Beliveau came on strongly in the final furlong to take the $150,400 Clarendon Stakes for Ontario-bred 2-year-olds at Woodbine on Sunday.

Beliveau ($3.40) was the third straight winner on the card for Patrick Husbands, who had the gelding in an early stalking position before putting him into a drive midway on the turn of the 5 1/2-furlong dash.

Beliveau rallied between rivals to prevail by 1 1/4 lengths over the debuting 45-1 shot Ruth Less Blue. Neil’s Diamond, another long-priced first-timer, ran third in the nine-horse field. The final time was 1:04.36.

The Mark Casse-trained Beliveau earned $90,000 in his first stakes score for the partnership of Windways Farm, East West Stables, and Mike Ambler.

“We gelded him early on, and it’s made a huge difference,” said Casse. “We thought he was a decent horse, but I have to tell you, he’s surprised us. I was a little nervous at the top of the lane, but he showed his true grit.”