Delta Prince returns from layoff in style, winning King Edward Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The New York invader Delta Prince looks like a prospect for the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile after capturing Saturday’s Grade 2 King Edward Stakes under Javier Castellano.

In his first outing in 10 months, Delta Prince raced in fourth on the backstretch as 19-1 shot Shakhimat set moderate fractions in the one-mile turf route. Delta Prince made his way into contention exiting the turn and then wore down a game Shakhimat to score by 1 3/4 lengths in a hand-timed 1:32.35 over the firm ground.

After getting away slowly, Conquest Panthera rallied for third. He was followed by Caribou Prince, First Premio, Tower of Texas, Ring Weekend, and Hollywood Hideaway.

A 5-year-old son of Street Cry, Delta Prince ($6.30) earned $105,000 of the $182,350 purse in his first stakes victory for Stronach Stable and trainer Jimmy Jerkens.

“I give all the credit to Mr. Jerkens, the way he trained the horse,” said Castellano. “He brought him to Woodbine pretty sharp, [against] tough competition. We got it done. I like the way he did it today. It was very impressive. I enjoyed the ride.”

The Woodbine Mile is scheduled for Sept. 15.

“I think the Woodbine Mile would suit him,” said owner Frank Stronach.