Forever Grand rallies to victory

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Forever Grand ($6.70) rallied from far back to win the Grade 3, $161,250 Highlander Handicap going away at Woodbine Sunday.

It was the fourth stakes score of the year for Forever Grand, and a meet-leading 28th for jockey Todd Kabel, who had Forever Grand far off a rapid pace in the six-furlong dash. Wild Whiskey set splits of :21.42 and :43.75 over a muddy track, while being pressed by Krz Ruckus and favored Mulligan the Great.

Forever Grand commenced his rally at the quarter pole, then splits horses in mid-stretch before drawing clear in the final 70 yards en route to a length and a half victory. Sohphia's Prince came widest to edge Mulligan the Great by a neck for second, while Krz Ruckus and Wild Whiskey completed the order of finish. Rare Friends was scratched. The final time was 1:09.53.

"My only concern was the off track," Kabel said. "I rode him twice before in the mud, and he didn't handle it, but he's a different horse right now. He's all business."

Forever Grand banked $96,750 for co-owners Frank DiGiulio Jr. and trainer Bob Tiller.