Caren clears $1 million earnings mark with Carotene win

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The unstoppable Caren shrugged off a challenge on the lead before drawing clear late to win Sunday’s $150,000 Carotene Stakes at Woodbine and vaulting over the $1 million earnings mark.

Calling Rhy Rhy was breathing down Caren’s neck from the outset, through a moderate tempo, with Niigon’s Eclipse in close proximity in the about nine-furlongs turf route. Caren took control late under a hand ride, and got home on top by a length over Niigon’s Eclipse.

Calling Rhy Rhy weakened to third, and the favored shipper Shake Down Baby rallied wide for fourth in the seven-horse field of Ontario-bred 3-year-old fillies. The final time was 1:49.10.

The win gave jockey Jesse Campbell a sweep of Woodbine’s two stakes on Sunday. He also took the Fanfreluche on Will She.

“Today, she got in front, and rated herself," Campbell said. "I knew she’d have more down the lane, because she was running more within herself. What makes her tough is she’s quick, and she’s got stamina. She’s full of talent, and she’s got the heart to match her talent.”

Caren, a daughter of Society’s Chairman, returned $5.90, and earned $90,000 in her fourth consecutive stakes victory for trainer Mike DePaulo.

“Caren’s been a star,” DePaulo said. “She’s a millionaire today, which is cool. She’s the first filly I’ve ever had who’s won $1 million.”

Caren is a shoo-in to be voted the Sovereign Award for this year’s Canadian champion 3-year-old filly, and she should get some consideration for Horse of the Year honors as well.