Cooler Mike prevails in Bunty Lawless

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Cooler Mike beat a solid field of Ontario-sired runners under a cool ride from Luis Contreras in Sunday’s $100,800 Bunty Lawless Stakes at Woodbine.

Cooler Mike ($16.50) stalked the dueling leaders Silent Poet and Desolator from a three-wide position in the one-mile turf event for Ontario-sired runners. He joined Silent Poet up front entering the stretch and then held that rival at bay as an array of runners joined the fray.

Cooler Mile prevailed by a half-length over the favored Silent Poet in a time of 1:34.49. Thor’s Rocket finished another head back in third, a neck in front of Eskiminzin, who nosed out Red Cabernet for fourth in the 10-horse field.

Cooler Mike was the fourth winner on the card for the former Ontario sire Giant Gizmo, who was recently sold to stand at stud in Panama. Cooler Mike earned $60,000 for the partnership of Mike Nosowenko and his son, trainer Nick Nosowenko.

“He’s got a huge heart,” Nick Nosowenko said. “He’s the kindest horse you’ve ever seen around the barn. He wants his mints, and plays with everybody in the morning. He’s been sound, sound this year. He’s an all-around good horse.”