British Royalty ($51.20) notches Breeders' Stakes upset
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - British Royalty ($51.20) scored an upset in Sunday’s $401,600 Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine, winning the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown in his second start off a $40,000 reclaim by trainer Barbara Minshall.
British Royalty saved ground in midpack along the backstretch in the 1 1/2-mile marathon, as Queen’s Plate winner Safe Conduct set slow fractions over the yielding ground while being pressed by Prince of Wales victor Haddassah.
British Royalty made his way into contention on the far turn, and then took control from Safe Conduct early in the stretch before drawing off to win by four lengths over the closing favorite Riptide Rock.
Collective Force finished five lengths back in third in the 12-horse field of Canadian-bred 3-year-olds. He was followed by Harlan Estate, Artie’s Storm, H C Holiday, Go Take Charge, Safe Conduct, Breaking Alone, Keep Grinding, Haddassah, and Executive Giant.
With blinkers on, British Royalty completed the distance in 2:34 while giving jockey Patrick Husbands a record fifth win in the 130th running of the historic race.
“I thought Patrick gave him a great ride,” Minshall said. “I was glad I had the fence, because I figured we could save ground the whole way around. I was confident in the horse’s ability to get the trip. I’m just really happy.”
Minshall said she regretted running British Royalty in a $25,000 claimer on July 11, when she lost him while the son of English Channel finished second.
“I was looking to win a race,” Minshall said. “I took a chance, and I was very upset with myself for taking such a chance. Lo and behold, the horse was back two weeks later and I couldn’t get in there fast enough to get him back. I knew I made a huge mistake.”
British Royalty earned $240,000 for Minshall and partner Bruce Lunsford.
*** Amalfi Coast ($3.70) closed along the rail to capture Sunday’s supporting feature, the Grade 3, $177,700 Ontario Fashion for fillies and mares, covering six furlongs in 1:09.40.
Summer Sunday finished second, and Golden Vision wound up third. Jeannie’s Beepbeep was pulled up on the turn and had to be euthanized. Morning-line favorite Boardroom was scratched.
Justin Stein rode Amalfi Coast for Terra Racing Stable and trainer Kevin Attard. Stein and Attard both won three races on the Breeders’ Stakes card.