Gonzalez trainees run one-two

The Nick Gonzalez-trained duo of Shilla and Executrix ran one-two Saturday in the $95,800 La Voyageuse Stakes, the opening-day feature of the 167-day Woodbine meeting.

Shilla stalked the pace on the outside under David Clark, as Kid Sparkle set the opening fraction of 22.02 seconds in the five-furlong dash. Shilla hit the front nearing the eighth pole and drew away for a 2 1/4-length score in 57.55 on Polytrack.

Kid Sparkle tired to third. The favored entry of Dawn Raid and Spin Move finished fifth and sixth in the seven-horse field of fillies and mares.

Shilla returned $6.70 and headed an exacta worth $34.50. She earned $57,000 for Victura Farm.

I hadnt seen her since last fall, but shes filled out and blossomed, said Clark. I had a ton of horse from the word go today.

Shilla, victorious in the Fanfreluche Stakes here in October, spent the winter at Gulfstream, while Executrix remained in Ontario. Both were making their first start of the year.

Were very pleased with the way both of them ran, said Gonzalez. Executrix was a hard-knocking 2-year-old, and we expected her to run well. Shilla was just a little better than her today.

Jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva won the first race of the day aboard the Gonzalez-trained Haveubeentoldtoday. They rallied from last to overtake favored Sarcasm in the final strides of the five-furlong maiden special for fillies and mares.

The track is pretty fair, said Da Silva.