Devastating, 'Moonlight' renew rivalry

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Devastating and Moonlight Affair, who finished first and second, respectively, in the Aug. 1 Eternal Search Stakes on dirt, will renew their rivalry on turf in Sunday's $129,375 La Prevoyante, a one-mile Ontario sire stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Devastating won two straight allowance races in the spring before finishing a dull sixth in the $500,000 Labatt Woodbine Oaks. Trainer Robbie King Jr. attributed the sub-par showing to a tight schedule.

"The Oaks was her third race in a month," King said. "She runs hard every time, and it just took its toll on her. She's a game little horse."

King gave Devastating a break after the June 9 Oaks, and had her razor sharp for the 1 1/16-mile Eternal Search, which she won by three lengths while earning a respectable 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

Devastating was dragged back off her customary position on the early lead when she experimented on the grass last out in a classified allowance. She was rank while stalking a moderate pace in the one-mile event, and flattened out in the final furlong to end up third.

Moonlight Affair, who captured the restricted Lady Angela Stakes in April, has been second in each of her three subsequent outings for trainer Tino Attard. She got away slowly before closing to finish second to unbeaten Highland Mood the only time she tried the grass in the seven-furlong Passing Mood Stakes on July 18.

Moonlight Affair has had a six-week break heading into the La Prevoyante, a race she's been pointed towards by Attard. "We had her on the farm for a couple of weeks to freshen her up," Attard said.