Casse sweeps weekend stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Mark Casse had a big weekend at Woodbine, sweeping all three stakes races with victories by Dixie Twist in the Ontario Debutante, Kaigun in the Grade 2 Play the King, and Lexie Lou in the Wonder Where.

Kaigun’s win in the Play the King was his final prep ahead of the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on Sept. 14, while Lexie Lou became the first Queen’s Plate winner since Wando in 2003 to win his or her next start.

Gary Barber, who owns Kaigun and Lexie Lou, was at Woodbine on Sunday for the Play the King and Wonder Where. While Kaigun’s next start has already been determined, Barber mentioned the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland and the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor at Woodbine as possible next races for Lexie Lou, though he will discuss his options with Casse before making a decision.

“I’ve got to talk to Mark,” he said. “I’m going to savor this one. I think the next one will probably be turf. [Jockey] Patrick [Husbands] said she’s 20 lengths better on turf. [The pedigree] says turf all over. I think there are some really good races on turf for her, especially in America.”