Black Hornet leads all the way in Vigil score

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Black Hornet ($9) led all the way in Sunday’s Grade 3 Vigil Stakes at Woodbine, winning the seven-furlong sprint by three-quarters of a length under Luis Contreras.

Black Hornet got away with a slow opening quarter in 22.66 seconds before covering the half in a lively 44.71. He maintained a clear lead throughout most of the stretch before holding off Puntrooskie to prevail in a time of 1:21.70.

The accomplished turf specialist Za Approval finished third in his first synthetic track start. Pender Harbour was fourth, while the odds-on favorite Calgary Cat tailed the five-horse field.

Black Hornet banked $108,000 of the $169,800 purse for the partnership of Joey Gee Thoroughbreds and Aldo Ventresca. He is unbeaten in two seven-furlong races for trainer Pat Parente.

“We were just trying to get him comfortable on the front end,” said Parente. “He has a great record at seven-eighths. He’s such a pleasure to be around. He does everything right. He gives you 100 percent every time.”