Elusive Collection prevails by a neck in Etobicoke

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Elusive Collection showed her dazzling debut wasn’t a fluke by doubling up with determination Sunday in the $105,800 Etobicoke Stakes at Woodbine.

Elusive Collection ($3.10) raced wide in fourth on the backstretch in the six-furlong dash before taking dead aim at the pacemaker Pohdi Pohdi in the stretch. She wore that stubborn rival down in the final furlong to prevail by a neck in 1:09.12.

Her Majesty’s Flag rallied for third as Ready for Romance faded to fourth in the five-horse field of 3-year-old fillies.

Luis Contreras rode the Josie Carroll-trained Elusive Collection, who won $60,000 for owner-breeder Ivan Dalos. The Kentucky-bred earned a fat 98 Beyer Speed Figure when graduating first time out in front-running fashion Aug. 9.

“She was very relaxed early,” said Contreras. “Halfway through the turn, I started to make my move, and she responded really well. She’s very impressive right now.”