Dead heat, DQ in Coronation

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Arco's Gold dead-heated for the win with favored Mobil in Saturday's $250,000 Coronation Futurity at Woodbine, but was awarded first money by disqualification, because Mobil's rider struck him with his whip in the stretch run.

Mobil led the way under Todd Kabel in the nine-furlong event for 2-year-olds, while being pressed by Snake Pit through quick fractions. Mobil kicked clear heading into the far turn, as Arco's Gold loomed into contention under Constant Montpellier.

Arco's Gold drew even with Mobil at the sixteenth pole, when Kabel's whip struck him in the nose. The two runners battled to the wire, and stopped the timer in 1:53.75. Peef finished a distant third in the seven-horse field of Canadian-breds.

Montpellier was impressed with the effort by Arco's Gold, who was making his first start around two turns, as well as his first start in a stakes.

"He ran a game race, against horses who have already run long,' said Montpellier. "He got hit in the face, and still came back on."

Arco's Gold's trainer, John Ross, was impressed with Montpellier's ride.

"Constant did a great job getting him relaxed off the pace," said Ross. "I was really proud of the way he kicked on down the lane. It's too bad about the [disqualification], but that's racing."

Arco's Gold ($7.30), now unbeaten in three starts, earned $150,000 for owners Steven and Alex DiIorio.

Stakes double for Montpellier

Montpellier swept both stakes on the program Saturday, also winning the Grade 3, $213,250 Maple Leaf Stakes with 5-1 shot Lady Shari.

Lady Shari, trained by Dave Cotey, covered 1 1/4 miles in 2:06.22, beating favored Small Promises by 3 1/2 lengths. Silver Nithi finished a neck back in third in the nine-horse field of fillies and mares.