Curlin's Voyage outgames Merveilleux in Ontario Lassie

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The talented Curlin’s Voyage redeemed herself with a determined score over Merveilleux in Sunday’s $125,000 Ontario Lassie Stakes at Woodbine.

Longshot November Fog set honest fractions in the 1 1/16-mile test for 2-year-old fillies, while Merveilleux tracked her along the live inside part of the track. Curlin’s Voyage had a wide trip in fourth before making a three-wide bid on the far turn to join Merveilleux and November Fog up front.

Curlin’s Voyage and Merveilleux battled through the stretch, and the former prevailed by a head in a final time of 1:43.85. November Fog faded to third, and was followed by 2-1 favorite Avie’s Samurai, Cool Shadows, and The Pink Pegasus.

It was a meet-leading 20th stakes victory for Patrick Husbands, who got a leg up from trainer Josie Carroll on her birthday. After taking the Grade 3 Mazarine by disqualification, Curlin's Voyage acted up in the gate before a non-threatening fourth in the Oct. 26 Princess Elizabeth Stakes when ridden by Eurico Da Silva.

“Going into the last race, from viewing the tape, I could see she was a little trouble in the gate,” Husbands said. “Today, she was calm, and a different horse. Throughout the whole race, I [could] press the button at any time. I know the horse on the inside. She’s a good filly. I just wanted to keep a head on her swinging for home.”

Curlin’s Voyage has established herself as a serious contender for Canadian champion 2-year-old filly honors, as well as a prospect for next year’s Canadian classics.

“We’re hopefully heading towards the [Woodbine] Oaks with this filly,” Carroll said.

Curlin’s Voyage ($7.60) earned $75,000 for the partnership of Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings Inc. and Windsor Boys Racing.