Church and State catches Incoming to win King Corrie

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Church and State got home on top in the final strides under a shrewd ride from Rafael Hernandez to land his first stakes in Sunday’s $106,200 King Corrie at Woodbine.

The maiden filly Hibiscus set moderate fractions while being pressed by Incoming, as Church and State trailed in sixth in the seven-furlong test for 3-year-olds.

Church and State awaited room on the turn and then bullied his way between rivals entering the stretch before collaring Incoming late in a half-length score, in a time of 1:22.71. Hibiscus held on for third and was followed by Madame Obey, Thundering, and Graffiti Writer.

Church and State, who was unbeaten in two Woodbine engagements last fall, hadn’t started since a dull fourth-place finish in the Jan. 18 Leonatus Stakes going a mile over Turfway’s Tapeta. The son of Caravaggio was scratched from the April 27 Woodstock Stakes here due to illness.

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“We’ve been working with this horse for a long time and (trainer Dale Desruisseaux) had him fit for this race,” Hernandez said. “He’s so special. The last time he ran at Turfway, he didn’t like the surface.”

For the most part, Woodbine’s Tapeta has been favoring speed and inside runners since the meet began April 26, which seemingly hindered Church and State’s chances.

“I was a little concerned with the way the track has been playing the last week, but he prevailed,” Desruisseaux said. “Raffie found his way through, and he kicked on.”

Church and State ($5.80) banked $60,000 for Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc.

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