Celtic Convention connects at 43-1 in Cup and Saucer

ETOBICOKE, Ontario— Celtic Conviction, the longest shot in the 10-horse field of Canadian-bred 2-year-olds, won the $252,000 Cup and Saucer Stakes at 43-1 Sunday at Woodbine.

Celtic Conviction led the way on the backstretch of the 1 1/16-mile turf route, setting the opening fraction in 24.15 seconds. The favored Say No More joined him on the lead on the turn, through a half in 48.54, before assuming command early in the stretch.

Celtic Conviction fought back along the inside in the final furlong, though, and prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths, in a time of 1:44.88. Good Better Best rallied wide to beat Say No More by a neck for second.

Jockey Emile Ramsammy got a leg up from trainer Mike Doyle on Celtic Conviction, who was exiting a victory over $32,000 maidens on Polytrack.

“I was toying with waiting with the Ontario sire stakes, but I just knew deep down that he’d like turf,” said Doyle. “The way the race was coming up, I felt that he’d have a chance; that he’d improve off his last start.”

Celtic Conviction ($88.60) collected $150,000 for the partnership of Dura Racing and Doyle, who won three races on the card.