Desert Ride digs in to take Wonder Where

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Neil Howard was steadfast that Woodbine Oaks winner Desert Ride was at her best on the grass heading into Saturday’s $225,000 Wonder Where Stakes, and she prevailed with determination under Steven Bahen.

Desert Ride ($5.10) raced four lengths off the lead on the backstretch in the 1 1/4-mile route on the main course, as Niigon’s Spin carved out slow fractions, with even-money favorite Speedy Soul pressing her.

Desert Ride made a three-wide bid into contention on the far turn, and was joined to her outside by Preferred Guest entering the stretch. Preferred Guest assumed a slim lead in midstretch, before Desert Ride battled back to win by a half-length in a time of 2:02.01 over the firm ground.

Niigon’s Spin faded to third, just 2 1/4 lengths behind the winner. She was followed by Court Return, Sport’n Forty, and Speedy Soul.

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Desert Ride had finished fifth in her previous race in the June 29 Queen’s Plate, three weeks after taking the prestigious Woodbine Oaks, which was also on the Tapeta.

“I think grass is her forte, although we were thrilled with both her races on synthetic,” said Howard. “I was very, very impressed. Steve rode her beautifully, as he always does. I was a little concerned for a second. It was a little bit of a fight down the stretch, because most of those horses were pretty fresh when they turned into the lane, given the fractions and everything. She had to dig in, and she did.”

Desert Ride gave owner-breeder Sam-Son Farm its eight victory in the Wonder Where. The daughter of Candy Ride earned $135,000 of the $225,000 purse.