Federal Law survives inquiry in Queenston Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Federal Law edged out stablemate My Silencer to give trainer Mark Casse a sweep of the two top spots in Sunday’s $125,000 Queenston Stakes at Woodbine.

Federal Law ($9.70) trailed the five-horse field early, as Corduroy Road and Souper Success dueled through honest fractions in the seven-furlong sprint for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.

Federal Law made his way into contention along the rail on the turn, and then bumped with Souper Success at the head of the stretch while seeking room. Meanwhile, My Silencer hit the front entering the stretch before opening up a clear lead, but the 7-5 favorite failed to hold off Federal Law, who prevailed by a neck in a time of 1:23.05.

Dun Drum rallied wide for third, and Souper Success beat out Corduroy Road for fourth in the prep for the $1 million Queen’s Plate.

After a stewards’ inquiry regarding the bumping at the three-sixteenths pole, there was no change in the order of finish.

Gary Boulanger rode Federal Law, a son of Scat Daddy, who earned $75,000 for Qatar Racing. He was coming off a front-running third here in the Wando Stakes.

“He wouldn’t shut off for me [in the Wando] going two turns with the blinkers,” Boulanger said. “We discussed it, and I said if we sprint him back, I’d leave the blinkers on. He’s really manageable in traffic going short. He’s got a tremendous turn of foot when he does get some pace to run at.”