Debrusk overcomes slow start to win Ascot Graduation

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Heading into Saturday’s $50,000 Glen Todd Ascot Graduation for 2-year-olds at Hastings, trainer Dino Condilenios remarked that he was surprised Debrusk went gate to wire in his two career victories, both in stakes.

Debrusk didn’t strike Condilenios as a speed horse, but breaking from the rail under Silvino Morales on Saturday, it was logical to assume the 4-5 post-time favorite would race on or near the lead in the 1 1/16-mile stakes over a sloppy track. That didn’t happen. Debrusk broke slowly from the gate, spotting the field several lengths.

Debrusk was down but not out, and under a patient ride from Morales, he settled into a stalking trip in fourth place through modest fractions of 25.08 seconds for the quarter-mile and 49.88 for the half. Helioo, making his second start for Mel Snow’s barn after being shipped west from that of Bill Mott, sat behind him in fifth, while the speedy filly Sunny Wishes led the way.

After moving into third on the backstretch, Debrusk seized the lead and Helioo made a strong move a little later. Those two early trailers would finish first and second, separated by a length, with Debrusk covering the distance in 1:47.19 and paying $3.70 to win. Stormy Lent finished third.

“I thought Silvino gave him a great ride after the bad start,” Condilenios said after the race. “He didn’t panic and let him creep up without using too much horse. He’s a quality horse.”

By Finality and out of Real Vain, Debrusk won his first career route on Saturday and is now 3 for 4 in his career, with a second-place finish on debut the lone blemish. Condilenios is part-owner of Debrusk along with Jordan Froelich and the Georgeopoulos brothers.

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