Essence Hit Man pulls away in Queenston

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Essence Hit Man ($12) romped in the at Woodbine on Saturday, scoring in rapid time in the seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-bred 3-year-olds.

Essence Hit Man set moderate fractions of 23.38 seconds and 45.38 under Chantal Sutherland, before drawing away in the final furlong to prevail by six lengths in a final time of 1:20.94.

Ghost Fleet outran D's Wando for third in the six-horse field. Heavily favored Hollinger, the previously unbeaten Canadian champion 2-year-old from last year, was a fading fourth in his first start of the year.

It was the second consecutive stakes win for Essence Hit Man, who also won the six-furlong Woodstock Stakes in April for the partnership of Gord Cappuccitti and trainer Audre Cappuccitti.

"I had a lot more [horse] at the end, compared to the last race," Sutherland said. "I was really impressed that he improved off his last race. He's a horse who will run through his threshold."